AgCAREERSTART Program – For Participants

Published on Thursday, 25 July 2024 at 8:59:11 AM

Overview

This program aims to support people of all experience levels, whether they are trying out agriculture for the first time or looking to forge ahead in their farming journey by developing professional skills and networks.

The year-long gap-year program is designed as a pathway into agriculture and could lead to many exciting opportunities in the agricultural industry. With numerous career paths to take in agriculture—from animal husbandry to developing and operating state-of-the-art machinery and technology, to business, marketing, and STEM research and analysis—there have never been more opportunities to kick-start a lifelong career in agriculture.

The program involves the following:

1. Choosing the placement

• The farms signed up to the AgCAREERSTART program come in all shapes and sizes.
• In the application, applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred industries and locations. Note that not all industries are available in all locations.

2. During the placement

• Participants will be working a full-time farm job and being paid accordingly. They should expect to work around 40 hours per week, with fluctuations throughout the year depending on the industry and season.
• All participants gain access to a $4,500 training and engagement bursary:
  • Participants can obtain licenses or qualifications via courses, workshops, industry resources, and online or in-person learning. They will develop an individualised Training Plan with the Training and Career Development Officer, which will include training ideas and any goals they would like to work towards for a bright future in agriculture.
  • Participants can attend industry events, with costs associated with travel and accommodation covered. Events can include, but are not limited to, field days, conferences, discussion days, and study tours.
• A dedicated AgCAREERSTART text and phone line is available. Participants will also have regular check-ins with both the Community Engagement Officer and the Training and Career Development Officer throughout the year.

3. After the placement

• The program will help participants investigate training or courses they might like to apply for and how to set themselves up for a new agricultural job, prepare their resume, and ensure they have a reference letter ready.
• All AgCAREERSTART participants transition into the Alumni Program at the end of their gap year. Here, they will join participants from previous cohorts to take advantage of scholarships, discounted event tickets, and advice and resources on training and further upskilling.

Eligible Activities

Eligible agricultural industries include:

• Cane
• Cattle
• Cotton
• Dairy
• Forestry
• Grain
• Horticulture
• Pork
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Sheep
• Viticulture

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