Developing young people with some training under their belt and who are work-ready is the aim of the 'Your Future in Ag' training program, now underway across the north of Tasmania.

A partnership by Rural Skills Australia, Tasmanian Lifelong Learning, Primary Employers Tasmania, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, secured funding from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to carry out two training programs. One is in the north and the other at Burnie in the north-west.

Training in the north has just been completed and training in the north-west has just begun at Burnie.

Education and Training Adviser for Tasmania, Roger Tyshing, said there were 16 participants from the north and north-west. "They are learning the skills that will keep them safe on the job and help them to become more employable," he said.

The north-west course started at the Tasmanian Polytechnic on Monday 23 April with an additional 16 students.

Participants ranged in age from 16 to 58 and include students, humanitarian entrants and a few young people who had just started working in agriculture. 

“They are enthusiastic and keen to learn.” Roger said. “They say that they see this as an opportunity to expand their range of skills to enable them to get work in the industry to pursue their passion."

After a great deal of industry consultation, six core skills were considered critical for potential employees: OH&S, first aid, basic chemical handling, quad bike handling, chainsaw operations and basic tractor driving.

“We expect that most of the participants will find a job in the industry soon after completing the program," Roger said.

"We’d also be pleased to hear from any employers interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity to employ someone who is keen and ready to work. We know that attracting and retaining young people into agriculture is a big talking point in the industry and this has been recognised in the Industry Skills Plan.

"We’ve been working on this for over a year now and it’s great to see some really positive outcomes for young people and the industry.”