Farm call for career coach

TASFARMERS is calling on all political parties in the upcoming state election to commit to investing in an independent agricultural career coach.

The organisation is seeking $500,000 over three years to deliver the proposed initiative.

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said many young people miss out on an agricultural career because they do not see it as an option unless they were born into a farming family.

“There’s a misperception impacting ongoing workforce shortages across the sector,” Mr Calman said.

“A career in agriculture should be seen as an option for every Tasmanian student, not just those with family ties to the land.

“We need a system that guides young people from school into meaningful roles in agriculture and keeps them in the sector over time.”

Mr Calman said the coach would provide tailored advice to students from grade 8 onwards and support them in the transition from training to employment.

“This model is different because, unlike institution-linked services, this would be a truly independent role, operated by TasFarmers, to ensure broad, unbiased guidance across all educational and vocational pathways.

“TasFarmers is uniquely placed to deliver this kind of offering with industry-wide support and engagement. “We’re not here to promote one training provider over another; we’re here to help people build long-term careers in agriculture.

"That means listening to their aspirations and matching them with real opportunities."