Queensland agricultural businesses are being given a helping hand, after the federal government announced a multimillion-dollar upskilling staff initiative.
Announcing the scheme yesterday (March 14), minister for tertiary education, skills, science and research Chris Bowen said the $4 million workforce development program will provide opportunities for regional workers to improve their skills.
The AgriFood National Regional Initiative will target workers in the Western Downs area, as well Loddon Mallee in Victoria, the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and Warren Blackwood in Western Australia.
“This initiative is a great example of the government working in partnership with industry to support skills and training in regional Australia,” Mr Bowen commented.
“We want to encourage local employers to develop the skills of local workers through in-depth training and best practice workforce development.”
The minister went on to say that the scheme will also help rural communities attract and retain skilled workers, which will have wider benefits on the region.
Sid Sidebottom, parliamentary secretary for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, said upskilling staff in the agricultural sector is vital to ensure high levels of productivity in the industry.
The funding program is part of the Commonwealth’s $667 million National Workforce Development scheme.
