Applications are now open for the 2026 Hay Inc Rural Education Program.

The present training program consists of a range of short courses which involve practical training, delivered on rural properties throughout the Hay district. The training and assessment is delivered by qualified trainers and subject matter experts who have extensive practical

experience in primary production.

Hands on training modules.

The courses provide hands on training modules that cover all the necessary skills of stockmanship in both sheep and cattle and farming skills. The organisation provides a base line education and experience for young people to use as a spring board to a rural career.

How Hay Inc. Started.

With the markedly reduced number of young people entering and staying in agriculture, not to mention the dwindling number of properties training jackaroos/jillaroos throughout eastern Australia, a group of concerned “bushies” around Hay have made a move to counteract this

worrying trend.

They recognised the younger generation now have limited opportunities (and properties) to gain the basic hands-on training and bush skills to make them employable.

Applications are now open for 2026 program

Dates: To be confirmed

Block 1 Monday 2 February to Friday 6 February 2026

Block 2 Monday 2 March to Friday 6 March 2026

Block 3 Tuesday 9 June to Saturday 13 June 2026

Age: 18 to 25 years

Cost: $500 for the 15 day program. Includes accommodation and some meals.

For more information contact:

Sandra Ireson

Hay Inc Rural Education Program Manager

Ph: 0439 938119

E: [email protected]

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.hayinc.com.au/