 According to the NCVER data there were 22,630 people who had commenced an apprenticeship or traineeship in the Australian agribusiness, food and fibre industries from early 2020 to June 2021. This was an increase of 3,255 new trainees or apprentices (or an increase of 65 percent) in the June quarter compared to the same period in 2020.In the June quarter 2021, 1,200 learners completed their courses, which was an increase of 19.4% on the June 2020 period.
Why is this important?Australia’s ability to produce high quality food and fibre is underpinned by the availability of a trained workforce with specialist skills in biosecurity, ecosystem management, digital and automated systems, safety and risk management, regulatory compliance, and adding value to animal and plant products. Australia’s worldwide reputation for producing clean, green, premium food is a result of its sustainable agricultural practices, food production methods and ecosystem management. Thanks to its skilled workforce, Australia is virtually self-sufficient in producing a huge range of food, timber, fibre and textile products. Overall, the agribusiness, food and fibre industries contribute $431billion (Source: IBISWorld’s Industry Wizard) to the Australian economy annually. |
Our Role Establishing Skills Insight JSC
Skills Impact held a Skills Service Organisation (SSO) role between 2016 and 2022. In 2023 we established one of ten Job and Skills Councils (JSCs), after a submission to move into the role was backed by over 200 letters of support from a broad range of industry stakeholders. This new JSC, Skills Insight, has a broader scope to deliver outcomes that support a responsive VET system and a skilled and resilient national workforce. The industry coverage of Skills Insight is similar to our past coverage as a Skills Service Organisation.