Ag opportunity for graduates

Wimmera and southern Mallee students will have the opportunity to gain on-farm job experience as part of a government initiative addressing barriers to agricultural work in the regions.

A Federal Government and National Farmers’ Federation initiative, AGCAREERSTART is a gap-year program matching high-school graduates with regional farmers.

Federation chief executive Tony Mahar said the program would give students the chance to learn new skills and explore Australia’s ‘beautiful’ regions.

“Young people are finishing school in a world of uncertainty,” he said.

“They still need that well-earned break from study, and they want to gain independence, even more so after almost two years of online lessons and being stuck at home.

“Our program participants will be matched with an on-farm job, provided training and development, and granted access to industry events and experiences with their cohort.

“They can learn something new in a hands-on way, while gaining valuable life experience.

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to make the most of every opportunity. Travel might always be possible, but a program like this doesn’t come along every day.”

Successful students will be employed under award wages on farms for up to 12 months, receive VET scholarships and be able to access government funded relocation assistance.

Placements will start in March and spots for students and host-farmers are still open.

People can register interest for the program online at agcareerstart.com.au.