Skills Reports
The skills of agriculture and production horticulture industry workers are key to making Australia one of the most food secure countries in the world. Agriculture also plays a key role in the Australian economy, with around 70% of primary produce exported. The industry is being shaped by numerous factors, including shifting global markets, changing consumer demand, labour shortages, COVID-19 disruptions, climate-related disasters, and escalating input costs. These challenges increase the complexity and immediacy of workforce planning and skills needs associated with value chain operations, biosecurity, technological development, ecosystem management, and workplace safety.
Skills Impact prepared the Agriculture and Production Horticulture Industry Skills Report at the request of the Agriculture and Production Horticulture Industry Reference Committee. It provides information on industry-specific skills and priorities additional to those covered in the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report. The report may also assist in identifying industry issues requiring consideration alongside work to streamline and reform the Australian VET system, including through cross-industry collaboration.
The report underwent public consultation on the Skills Impact website from 14 July to 5 August 2022, and we appreciate all the feedback received. Your input has been used to make final edits to the document, which is available to download below.
Skills Forecasts
In previous years, skills reporting has taken the form of a Skills Forecast or Annual Update, which have been submitted by the relevant IRC to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC). They propose a four year plan for reviewing and developing relevant units, skill sets and qualifications across a training package. They were created once every three years and updated annually. The Annual Updates identified any specific changes to the industry environment, and to address current priority issues.
Every year in April, the full Skills Forecast or Annual Update was submitted by the relevant IRC to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC). The AISC would then advise Commonwealth and State Industry and Skills Ministers on the implementation of national vocational education and training policies, and approve nationally recognised training packages.
The AISC would draw on this information to update their AISC National Schedule, and to determine future Training Package Projects.
Agriculture and Production Horticulture Skills Forecasts Archive
2021 Annual Update to 2019 – 2022 Skills Forecast
2020 Annual Update to 2019 – 2022 Skills Forecast
2016 – 2019 Four Year Work Plan
Please note: IRC Skills Forecasts were originally called Four Year Work Plans.
Development Process of IRC Skills Forecasts
