A career in agriculture, such as in livestock farming, crop production or land management, offers individuals the opportunity to become skilled in aspects of agronomy, animal science, digital technologies, mechanical operations, supply chains, logistics, and business management. It also allows them to have a profound impact on the broader community by contributing to the food security of Australia and being at the forefront of climate-smart solutions and practices. Improving the visibility of career pathways and enhancing the attractiveness of a career in agriculture are crucial steps in addressing the current workforce challenges faced by this industry, particularly when it comes to attracting new entrants.
The work to investigate and establish an agricultural apprenticeship pathway is in progress as part of a broader program involving multiple related projects.
Feasibility study
Stakeholders were consulted nationwide to explore the feasibility and dynamics of an ag trade apprenticeship, with insights summarised in a report.
Career mapping
Understanding career pathways is key to industry recruitment and retention strategies, and identifying options for an ag trade apprenticeship pathway.
Concept development
This will involve the first stages of development of a Certificate III qualification which could be used to deliver apprenticeships across a range of agriculture occupations.
Further stages to be determined
Recommendations for an agricultural trade pathway have been made by the Agricultural Workforce Working Group*, the National Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee in the National Agriculture Workforce Strategy, and the National Farmers’ Federation in their 2030 Roadmap.
Consultation so far has revealed significant support among industry participants for the development of an agricultural trade apprenticeship, but also highlighted concerns that need to be carefully considered regarding the potential impact a new apprenticeship could have on successful existing training pathways. With the right implementation and support mechanisms in place, an Ag Trade Apprenticeship could be an attractive pathway for new entrants.
We encourage your input
Please register for project updates and participate in consultations through the project links above.
Project background
In 2023 an Agricultural Workforce Working Group* was established as a result of the 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit. It was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture and brought together by the Commonwealth Agricultural Minister, Senator the Hon Murray Watt. This working group has met eight times since the Jobs and Skills Summit to look at a range of labour and workforce skill challenges and solutions.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Murray Watt stated that, ‘A key priority of the Working Group has been to identify opportunities to uplift capability of workers and employers in agriculture.’ Considering the establishment of a trade apprenticeship pathway in the agriculture sector which would complement the existing VET offerings is at the heart of this research.
Previous to the work of this working group, a National Agriculture Workforce Strategy was released in 2020 which recommended that stakeholders meet ‘in order to develop a flagship AgriFood apprenticeship and traineeship scheme with training providers. The scheme should address issues of employer demand and allow flexibility for employers such as the sharing of apprentices and/or trainees among small to medium businesses.’
In 2018 the National Farmers’ Federation also outlined the need for a trade apprenticeship pathway in their 2030 Roadmap under Pillar 4.1.3, to ‘Establish a nationally consistent, “trade-equivalent” job brand for skilled farm workers’.
*This working group is now called the Agricultural Workforce Forum.