AGRICULTURAL employers in the Far North will be able to participate in a free, training-first pilot program named the Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub as part of a partnership with Governments and leading industry bodies.
The new program is a joint initiative between TAFE Queensland, the Australian Government, Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), Regional Development Australia and Central Queensland University Australia.
TAFE Queensland executive director and head of commercial business Robert Petherbridge said the Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub will feature industry-led training to ensure employers have the skilled workers they need to future proof their businesses.
“The aim of Queensland’s first Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub is to establish and support new ways of attracting, skilling, upskilling, retaining and growing local workforces by providing new and innovative ways required by industry to overcome the current challenges to skills and workforce development,” Mr Petherbridge said.
“We have worked hand-in-hand with industry to develop a broad suite of new and updated skills and workforce programs from micro-credentials and accredited skillsets to nationally recognised qualifications.
“This will enable participants to gain valuable skills driven by the introduction of new technologies including drones, digital technology, sensors and monitoring devices, programming techniques, GPS operation as well as innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.”
The training is free for participants and is delivered online so it’s self-paced.
“It’s flexible and as the agriculture industry continues to change, it’s a great opportunity for employers to ensure their workers are skilled and ready for current and future industry demands,” Mr Petherbridge said.
For more information about the innovative new Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub, visit tafeqld.edu.au/agtech-skills-hub or call 1300 308 233 today.
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