Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Local News

Farming Futures for Young People

The need to recruit motivated and skilled young people into its workforce is one of the main challenges facing the dairying and horticulture industries, according to Tony Ryan, Schools to Industry Project Officer with the Victorian Farmers Federation

By - 28th July 2003 - Back to News

In opening the ‘Creating Futures’ Dairy and Horticulture Forum at McMillan ILFR this week, Mr. Ryan commended the Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) for establishing a partnership between industry groups and the education sector in West Gippsland to address issues relating to promoting careers in rural industries and developing an educational system that responded to the needs of employers.

A large group comprising representing local farmers, Rural Skills Australia, McMillan ILFR, Adult Community Education (ACE) and over 20 Work Placement students currently undertaking the Certificate 2 in Agriculture/Horticulture and their parents were in attendance.

Local dairy farmer Thelma Hutchison said that for many young people the Work Placement program was their first on–farm experience and as such employers needed to ensure that the student’s induction was thorough and that work/activities were well planned. She said that it was pleasing that McMillan ILFR was collaborating with farmers groups to develop these processes in a structured way.

Monique De Zwart, Industry Consultant with the Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN said that it was important for the employers in the rural sector and young people interested in those industries to understand that besides the traditional apprenticeship, entry into the workforce could now be achieved through school-based New Apprenticeships or a part-time apprenticeships.

She said that it was through forums such as this that employers could outline their concerns, access information and support in the recruitment and training of workers and influence the nature and delivery of related education in their region. Ms De Zwart said that the forum was a productive beginning of an ongoing collaborative process that would produce positive outcomes for local rural industries and young people wishing to enter that sector of the workforce.

Further information can be obtained from Ms De Zwart on 56 332868

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
  East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.