The Queensland government has unveiled its plans for a skills initiative in the state’s agricultural sector – a scheme that aims to support the industry’s workforce needs.
Agriculture minister John McVeigh said the creation of a new advisory group will oversee and examine different issues facing the development of Queensland’s agricultural labour-force – including the attraction and retention of employees.
“We need to identify and address barriers to, and seek opportunities for, the successful attraction and retention of skilled workers in the agri-sector,” Mr McVeigh said at the Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry Skills Industry Advisory Group meeting on Wednesday (March 13).
The minister went on to say that providing young Queenslanders with more opportunities through training programs – such as school-based apprenticeships and traineeships – could help address the issue.
He explained: “One solution is to build the capacity of our school, vocational education and tertiary systems to better understand agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors so they can deliver relevant training that meets industry needs.”
Over the coming year, the group will identify different industry and training initiatives, and also work across primary industries to improve coordination and collaboration processes.
