- Published:
- Tuesday 28 September 2021
Students, trainers and industry are being encouraged to have their say on the future of agriculture training, with consultation now open as part of a Victorian Government review that will strengthen the industry.
The Future of Agriculture Training in Victoria Review was launched in June to examine how the TAFE system can continue to meet the changing needs of Victoria’s growing agricultural industry.
The review is being led by Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, who has already undertaken preliminary discussions with TAFEs and industry across Victoria – and will deliver a final report to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney in December.
The review will ensure agriculture training remains innovative and relevant and help understand the factors involved in student choice – making sure TAFE and Learn Locals remain at the centre of agricultural training and exploring how best TAFE can meet the needs of employers and students well into the future.
The state’s thriving agriculture sector produces $15.9 billion worth of milk, fruit, vegetables, meat, fibre, eggs and grains each year – supporting a $41.5 billion processing industry.
The sector is especially important to regional Victoria and directly employs about 145,000 people, as well as supporting many more jobs across the supply chain, including in logistics, transport and advisory services
The review is seeking feedback from industry, employers, students, those who influence student choice like parents and teachers, industry stakeholders, and TAFES, Learn Locals and other registered training organisations – with people encouraged to have their say at engage.vic.gov.au before Sunday, 31 October 2021.
The review complements existing work by the Victorian Government in bolstering agricultural courses through the Free TAFE initiative. This work will also support the rollout of the $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Fund investment in the Victorian Budget 2020/21.
The Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This review will play a huge role in driving our agriculture training now and into the future – ensuring students have the tools they need for great careers and that the sector continues to get the support it needs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
“We know how important it is to provide the training and education opportunities to young people who want to pursue careers in agriculture – that’s why we’re safeguarding the future of the sector by undertaking this review.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“The experiences and views of students, trainers and industry are vital to this review – and now’s the time for anyone with an interest in the sector to have their say on the future of agriculture training in Victoria.”