TasFarmers to employ agricultural career coach

TasFarmers will employ an “agricultural career coach” to provide mentoring and pathways for young people who want to work in the primary industries sector.

The career coach was an election promise from the Liberals, and the state government has provided $450,000 to TasFarmers to deliver the initiative.

 TasFarmers Chief Operations Officer Neil Grose said the career coach would help young people who could see themselves working in agriculture but were unsure how to take the next step.

“This is about connecting the dots for young Tasmanians who aspire to a career in agriculture, while also helping people already in the sector see a future in it,” Mr Grose said.

“This initiative sends an important message to the agricultural community that government, industry and the professions are looking towards the future and investing in the people who will shape it.”

Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said the agriculture sector was going from strength to strength, but needed a strong workforce to keep the momentum going.

“TasFarmers’ Agriculture Career Coach initiative will play a key role in providing pathways into agriculture and helping develop the next generation of farmers, agricultural professionals and industry leaders.

“This builds on our significant investment in agriculture careers, training and development, such as the Revitalising School Farms Initiative, Freer Farm Centre of Excellence and Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture research programs.

“Our ag sector puts food on our tables, provides thousands of jobs, and supports our rural and regional communities.”