From his earliest days attending St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton, Jacob Merrick was part of the school’s agricultural team.
He was the one chatting to everyone, encouraging his fellow students and of course prepared to do the hard work to ensure the team did well wherever they travelled for competition.
Now his years of dedication to the team and his VET studies has been recognised with the Hunter and Central Coast’s VET in Schools ‘Student of the Year’ award, as part of the NSW Training Awards.
Jacob is a Year 12 VET Primary Industries student, and is studying for a Certificate II in Agriculture at St Catherine’s.
Jacob now progresses to the next stage, where the NSW winner will be determined from the state’s regional winners. (This will be announced at the 2026 NSW Training Awards event on Tuesday, August 25.)
Jacob grew up on his family’s Hunter River irrigation property that neighbours the school on the edge of town.
He is completing a Certificate II in Agriculture and works on the family farm and also at Nundah Pastoral.
Growing up in a working-class farming family where neither of his parents completed Year 12, Jacob has embraced his VET pathway at St Catherine’s, building skills, confidence and industry connections.
Through his training at Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Jacob has developed strong technical knowledge while applying new techniques and ideas back on his family’s farm to improve productivity and sustainability.
He is highly engaged in the agricultural community, regularly participating in cattle shows, judging competitions and connecting with industry leaders.
A confident communicator and natural leader, Jacob is a big advocate for VET pathways. Aspiring to study veterinary science in the future, he encourages other students to explore practical learning opportunities that allow them to follow their passion, gain real industry experience and open doors to future careers.
Among his passions is woodwork and of course his Murray Grey stud.
He has won two Heifer Fitting Challenge competitions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with Murray Grey entries first in 2024 and again this year.
He has also won champion parader and champion junior judge awards at numerous competitions including the Sydney Royal and Colin Sales & Co Beef Extravaganza at Glen Innes.
As to his future plans, it will definitely involve agriculture and cattle, but first a gap year working in Canada on an Angus stud before returning home to undertake further study.
