Strong communities are the foundation of a strong agricultural industry.
Australian agriculture’s success is inseparable from the strength of the communities that support it. Farmers, workers and their families need access to quality healthcare, education, childcare, connectivity and essential services to live, work and prosper in regional, rural and remote Australia.
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) advocates for policies that strengthen the health, wellbeing and resilience of agricultural communities. This includes ensuring equitable access to healthcare, mental health support, early childhood education and care, digital connectivity and other essential services that enable people and businesses to flourish.
Strong regional communities attract and retain skilled workers, support economic participation and create opportunities for future generations. The NFF is committed to championing investment in the services, infrastructure and community capacity needed to build resilient, inclusive and prosperous rural Australia.
Improving the visibility of an on-farm career pathway and enhancing the attractiveness of a career in agriculture is considered crucial in addressing the current workforce challenges faced by this industry, particularly when it comes to attracting new entrants.
In collaboration with Skills Insight, the NFF has been assisting research into the feasibility of a trade apprenticeship in agriculture and what a potential apprenticeship model could look like for the industry. In April 2024, the Ag Trade Apprenticeship Feasibility Report was published.
Key findings of the report include significant support for the development of an Ag Trade Apprenticeship among industry participants, including employers, unions and trainers. The concept was also met with resistance from some quarters, particularly those with concerns over currently available – and successful – training pathways being compromised by the introduction of a new, untested program.
There is however considerable evidence to suggest that with the right implementation and support mechanisms in place, an Ag Trade Apprenticeship could be an attractive pathway for new entrants, increase the professionalism in the industry, improve safety performance, and help to alleviate current and future skill shortages.
To clearly demonstrate to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations that there is robust appetite amongst producers to take on apprentices, we are looking for feedback from our members, producers and industry stakeholders. The survey will take 4 – 5 minutes to complete, and by participating you will help demonstrate widespread industry support for the Ag Trade Apprenticeship.
The NFF acknowledges that this survey was initially developed by Skills Insight. For more information about the Ag Trade Apprenticeship feasibility study, head to their dedicated project page.
If you have questions about the survey please contact Project Manager Louise Hegarty (02) 6269 5622.
