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  • Participant Story | Emerson Esquibel

     

    Strengthening Skills Through International Dairy Training

    Emerson participated in a short-term dairy training placement in Victoria, Australia through the Professional Placements Program, implemented by Strategic Development Group and funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

    Selected through MAGSIGE Multi-Purpose Cooperative, he joined the initiative to gain practical experience within Australia's dairy industry while developing new skills alongside experienced agricultural professionals.

    Capacité Australia supported the placement by coordinating participant preparation, documentation, English readiness, and communication between Australian and Philippine project partners throughout the program.

    Emerson

    Participant Preparation

    Before travelling to Australia, Emerson completed English readiness and workplace communication preparation coordinated by Capacité Australia.

    The preparation focused on practical communication, workplace expectations, and cultural readiness, enabling participants to confidently transition into Australian workplaces and fully engage with the learning opportunities available during the placement.

    This preparation provided a strong foundation for both professional development and personal confidence throughout the program.

    Placement Experience

    During the placement, Emerson trained within a commercial dairy farming environment in Victoria, working alongside experienced farm managers and industry professionals.

    The placement included practical learning in:

    • Daily dairy operations
    • Animal care and welfare
    • Farm safety procedures
    • Australian workplace practices
    • Team-based farm operations
    • Commercial dairy production systems

    The experience provided valuable exposure to Australian farming practices while strengthening practical capability and workplace confidence.

    Reflections

    For Emerson, one of the most memorable aspects of the placement was the collaborative support provided throughout every stage of the program.

    Reflecting on the experience, he shared:

    "Capacité Australia made the whole process smooth and guided us every step of the way."

    He also recognised the broader partnership that made the placement possible.

    "Their partnership and teamwork have opened doors and created opportunities that are truly life-changing for many of us."

    His experience highlights the importance of collaboration, preparation, and international partnerships in delivering meaningful professional development opportunities.

    In Emerson's Own Words

    The following reflection is shared by Emerson following the completion of his placement.

    • I am truly, truly grateful to Capacité Australia for all their support and everything they do throughout the Australian Dairy Farming Training and Placement Program. They made the whole process smooth and guided us every step of the way. Their team is caring, professional, and you can really see how passionate they are about helping people. They made us feel welcomed, valued, and supported throughout this journey.

      I'm also very thankful to MAGSIGE Cooperative for being part of this journey from the very beginning. This opportunity would not have been possible without them. No words can really explain how grateful we are to both Capacité Australia and MAGSIGE Cooperative. Your partnership and teamwork have opened doors and created opportunities that are truly life-changing for many of us.

      Because of all your support, we are now one step closer to achieving our dreams—not just for ourselves, but for our families as well. Thank you for believing in us and for helping make all of this possible.

      As I always say... Long live Capacité Australia! May you continue changing lives for many years to come! And thank you, MAGSIGE Cooperative, for being such a big part of this amazing journey.

      E
      Emerson Esquibel
      Dairy Farm Trainee

      Project Acknowledgement

      This placement formed part of the Professional Placements Program, implemented by Strategic Development Group and funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The initiative was delivered through the collaboration of MAGSIGE Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Mountain Milk Cooperative, participating host farms, Capacité Australia, and Capacité Development Center Philippines.