Student Stories

At RIST, we’re passionate about creating pathways to successful careers in Agriculture for all our students.

We have an incredible community of students at RIST. All possessing different skills, interests and ambitions, and each representing the faces, passion and talent of the current and next generation of Agriculture.

Discover some of our students inspiring stories, each with different interests and passions, who’ve embraced opportunities and applied their new skills to make a difference in their communities and careers. 

Their stories reflect the heart of RIST – a commitment to growth, innovation and lifelong learning, You’re sure to be inspired!

Student in the Spotlight

Chloe, Certificate II in Shearing Graduate

Chloe Dann fell into shearing after a job opportunity lead her to a RIST shearing school in 2017.

 

Today, Chloe is a small mob shearing contractor with a passion for educating and supporting the peri-urban and hobby farmer community on managing sheep health and welfare.
 
As she reflects on her journey, Chloe offers a gentle reminder to anyone feeling stuck in a job or life they dislike,
 
“It’s never ever too late to find what sets you on fire.” For her, that fire is shearing—a passion she continues to nurture and share with others. 
 

Read more from Chloe’s journey into shearing…

Chloe's Journey into Shearing

Student in the Spotlight

Jake, Certificate III in Agriculture Graduate

“I do believe that it takes a lot of work to be a farmer, and anyone that is brave enough to take the career on and succeed, is aspirational in their own respect”
– Jake
 
Jake Tonissen has grown up on the land and is based at Byaduk, Vic and at 18, he is currently completing his final term of schooling in Hamilton. When he is not in the classroom, he is a dedicated member of his family’s maternal and terminal sheep enterprise, Chrome Sheep Studs. 
 
In August this year, Jake graduated with a Certificate III in Agriculture, where he was awarded the graduating class Leadership Award.
 

Read more about Jake’s passion for Agriculture …

Jake's story

Student in the Spotlight

Kiarah, Certificate III in Agriculture Student

In early September, we introduced you to RIST student Kiarah and her amazing Border Collie Boots.

We shared Kiarah’s fantastic video featuring her working dog skills alongside “Boots”, with the video offering a snippet of insight into what students and their dogs have been learning and applying recently as part of their Certificate III in Agriculture, Care for and Train Working Dogs Unit.

Since the video was shared across our social media channels, it has been viewed (organically) over a whopping 6,700 times!

We thought it’d be great to get to know Kiarah a little more through a Student in The Spotlight feature…

Get to know more about Kiarah & Boots

Read More Student Stories

Ben - Certificate III in Agriculture Graduate

“I’m deeply connected to agriculture, living on my family’s sheep and crop farm in Lake Bolac. I work on the farm year-round every day when I’m not at school. I’m outside with the dogs, doing sheep work, fencing, on the excavator, or in the tractor. Farming is a big part of my life”.
 
– Ben

Jack - Certificate IV in Agriculture Student

“My father, Rob, who has extensive industry knowledge to share and is great to discuss ideas with, inspires me.” – Jack
Meet Jack, an 18-year-old Agriculture student who is also the co- founder of Mt Eccles Angus Stud at Byaduk. In late September, alongside his parents Rob and Katherine, they celebrated the inaugural on-farm Bull sale for Mt Eccles Angus .
Learn more about Jack and his passion for genetics and how he balances his study alongside farming..

Katy - Certificate III in Agriculture Graduate & Jeremy Upton Scholarship Recipient

Katy McMahon’s journey into Agriculture starting in the right season of her life. 
 
At 28, Katy’s life is filled with the balancing of wearing many hats. Mum, wife, and now student, she’s a beacon of determination with a passion for agriculture and life learning fueling her success. In mid 2024,  Katy was announced as the second ever recipient of the RIST Jeremy Upton Scholarship, a recognition that speaks volumes about her dedication to study and her passion for the Agricultural industry.
 
Katy graduated from the Certificate III in Agriculture in August and she will continue on in her learning pathway in 2025 in the Diploma of Agriculture.

 

Jacob - Certificate III in Agriculture Student

Like most country kids at just 17 years of age, Jacob Sanderson  has more than just a few handy skills up his sleeve. He is currently undertaking the Certificate III in Agriculture Course at RIST and graduated from the Certificate II in Agriculture in March this year.
 
When he is not at school or home on the farm, Jacob is an avid shearer and CFA volunteer in Myamyn Victoria. He also runs his own contracting business, Sanderson Bros Contracting.
 
As part of his entrepreneurial path all equipment for his business has been purchased himself, using money earned and saved up from shearing.
 
His advice for someone thinking about getting into Agriculture or Shearing?
 
“Immerse yourself in the industry, push through the tough times, and surround yourself with knowledgeable people. Their expertise will be incredibly valuable.”
 

Kerry - Certificate IV in Agriculture

Meet Kerry Leigh, a 40-year-old Mum of three, Certificate IV in Agriculture Student and full-time dairy farmer at Aurora Dairies in Hamilton.

Now, on the verge of completing her Certificate IV in Agriculture with only four units remaining, Kerry’s ambition is ignited as she contemplates pursuing her Diploma in Agriculture.

Grateful for the unwavering support from her manager and dedicated trainers at RIST, Flexibility and guidance paved the way for incredible opportunities for Kerry, such as a nomination for the Employee Award at the Grand Southwest Dairy Awards.

RIST Alumni Shine Bright at South West Dairy Awards

South West Dairy Awards, Held in Warrnambool on May 16th, proved to be a fantastic event and opportunity to shine a light on and celebrate those in the South-West Victorian dairy industry who are excelling in the Industry!

Graduate as Class of 2025

Graduate as Class of 2025!

We are now welcoming mid – year enrolments (July 2024 start date) for a range of our Agricultural Courses.