Among many changes taking place in rural Australia, the apparent trend for farmers to supplement their farm income has led to increasing demand for formal qualifications to improve off-farm career opportunities.

Tocal College is offering skills recognition as the innovative and simple alternative to the conventional approach to gaining qualifications by completion of formal course work and assessment.

"This has become an important part of our programs," Tocal Principal Cameron Archer said.

"We are continually undertaking skills recognition for people who've had a lifetime's experience in the workplace but may not have the necessary qualifications for further progression.

"We have many success stories where people's skills have been recognised formally with a qualification and then that person has gone on to a promotion or further career development.

"Skills recognition began a few years ago now and each year we have 40 to 50 graduates through Tocal who have gained their full qualifications through work experience or with a significant part of the qualification gained this way."

The main courses Tocal offers for skills recognition are certificates and diplomas in either Agriculture or Conservation and Land Management.

This is particularly suitable for people working on farms, in land management and related areas such as Shire Councils, Rural Land Protection Boards and other agencies.

"Things are changing in education," Mr Archer said.

"Nowadays qualifications are more important, but education is also much more accessible and skills recognition is the ultimate in easy access.

"Our experience tends to tell us that people underestimate rather than overestimate their skills.

"Our staff are skilled in obtaining all the evidence necessary for people to get the credit they've earned.

"It's easier than most people think."

Contact 1800 025 520.