More than 30 hospitality students have gained hands-on industry experience at AgQuip Field Days in Gunnedah, as they served up barista beverages and 350 snack packs to attendees.

Over two days, the Macintyre High School and Narrabri High School students operated the Tiny Mobile Café, a food truck coffee hub built by construction teachers from regional high schools.

The students’ operation of the Tiny Mobile Café contributed to work experience for their qualifications in Certificate II in Hospitality or Certificate II in Cookery.

Hospitality student, Maxine O’Connor, said working at the café had deepened her knowledge of the industry she’s increasingly passionate about.

“Participating in the Tiny Café at AgQuip was an incredible experience that developed my skills in the hospitality industry,” Ms O’Connor said. “It not only helped me complete some of my required work placement hours but also allowed me to apply the skills I’ve learned in my Certificate II in Hospitality.”

AgQuip is one of Australia’s largest agricultural field days and provided the backdrop for students to demonstrate their skills to thousands of visitors while experiencing the energy and pace of a major industry event.

Skills and Workforce Programs Vocational Education and Training (VET) Support Officer, Emma McAuley, said the café equipped students with industry accredited skills and helped build their confidence in customer service, food preparation and food safety.

“AgQuip was a fantastic opportunity for our rural and remote VET students to apply their skills in a real-world setting,” Ms McAuley said. “Experiences like this give students a head start in their careers by connecting them directly with industry.”

“These opportunities show the real value of VET in schools, opening pathways to employment and further training while strengthening links between education and regional communities.”

The Tiny Mobile Café has its own unique story, having travelled more than 800 kilometres across regional NSW over 20 days during its construction by VET teachers.

The collaborative project began at Moruya High School, continued through Wagga Wagga High School and was completed at Dubbo College Senior Campus.

The café is now a mobile classroom, allowing students to engage directly with industry contexts beyond the school grounds.

Paganne Ryman said working at one of the largest agricultural events in the state had confirmed that she would pursue a pathway in Hospitality.

“Working at the Tiny Café at AgQuip was a great opportunity to experience the hospitality industry,” Miss Ryman said. “It helped me meet some of my Certificate II in Hospitality work placement requirements while allowing me to develop practical skills such as teamwork and customer service.”