An agricultural trade apprenticeship has the potential to improve the industry’s capacity to highlight its diverse career pathways and recruit and retain its future workforce.

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 (NFF) in their 2030 Roadmap.

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.