Farmers’ fertile training ground

THE farmers of tomorrow will soon be able to train in new state-of-the-art facilities, with the construction of the Centre of Excellence in Burnie nearing completion.

The $5m Agricultural Training Centre of Excellence at TasTAFE’s Freer Farm will support growth in the agricultural industry through a modern training facility that uses contemporary equipment and infrastructure, according to the state government.

Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth Felix Ellis said construction of stage one began last May.

Hands-on training in the facility is expected to start by the middle of the year.

“The building will provide modern, fit-for-purpose training facilities and cater for traditional classes, online learning and industry demonstrations and events,” he said.

The lower level will provide a staffroom, meeting room, exhibition space, student breakout spaces and general amenities. The upper level will include two adjoining training rooms with computer and virtual reality facilities, breakout spaces, a mudroom/locker area and general amenities.

The Agricultural Training Centre of Excellence will also include upgrades to existing farm infrastructure including irrigation, stockyards, effluent treatment, and farm biosecurity, along with upgrades to farm operations machinery and equipment.

This includes a new stateof-the-art New Holland T6-145hp Auto Command, 4WD tractor.

Mr Ellis said the government was helping make it more affordable for apprentices and trainees in Tasmania to start a trade or skill-up in a new career.

“We are focused on putting learners at the centre of our VET system,” he said.