A range of new resources will help teachers and advisors encourage young people to consider a career in Australia’s constantly evolving and modern agriculture industry.
The resources make up the second part of the Cultivating the Next Generation research project, compiled and delivered by AgriFutures Australia and CQ University.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the agriculture sector has a great opportunity to redefine itself in students’ minds.
“A career in ag is exciting and diverse, whether you want to work with your hands or in an office, in the country or the city,” said Minister Watt.
“So many young people are interested in sustainability and technology and that’s exactly what ag careers offer.
“I can’t wait to see the footprint they make on the industry.”
The new resources include five recommendations from stage one of the project:
1. Five subject areas – agriculture, science, food technology, business and digital technology.
2. 20 video case studies showcasing the diverse range of jobs available.
3. Work placement guides for industry, schools and students.
4. In person and online professional development workshops to educators.
5. Industry excursions across every state and territory involving 19 schools, over 500 students and 35 teachers.
Managing Director AgriFutures Australia, John Harvey said the agriculture industry, including fisheries and forestry, must do more to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce.
“Our future workforce is dependent on the next generation seeing agriculture as an industry of choice, and critical to this is the role educators play in encouraging students towards a career in agriculture and we want to do everything we can to make that happen,” said Mr Harvey.
