WORKER PROGRAM TARGETS UNTAPPED SKILLS
MANY migrants arrive in Toowoomba with years of experience gained from working in their home country, but they struggle to land a job in their chosen field.
For some, language is a barrier, while for others workplace regulators do not recognise their qualifications.
But Mulberry Project director Louise Noble said those workers would be highly sought after by Darling Downs farmers.
It is untapped potential now only recognised after a severe shortage of labour due to the closure of international and state borders during the pandemic.
“I think the government has realised that,” Ms Noble said.
The Mulberry Project and Growcom Australia have been tapped to deliver the $200,000 Agriculture Diverse Workforce Program that will take 80 of these skilled migrants and place them into farming jobs.
Ms Noble said Covid had exposed the structural flaws in the agricultural labour market, and this program was on step in correct it.
“The sector was relying heavily on backpackers, and at the same time the fragmentation of labour providers made it difficult for farmers to secure skilled workers,” she said.
The Mulberry Project will deliver the training at its education centre at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
ANYONE WITH SKILLS IN ENGINEERING, TRADES, FREIGHT, TRUCKING, LOGISTICS AND HORTICULTURE IS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. VISIT: WWW.DESBT.QLD.GOV.AU