Citrus Australia to improve education opportunities and employment pathways for next generation

 

Citrus Australia to improve education opportunities and employment pathways for next generation

18 November 2021

Citrus Australia is preparing a program to improve education opportunities, and employment pathways, in the citrus industry, and wider horticulture.

Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said the industry was committed to forming a deeper partnership with our education providers to ensure students were aware of the diverse career pathways in the citrus industry.

“Currently there is a huge demand for skilled and semi-skilled staff but not the responding pull through of students looking for careers in our industry,” Nathan said.

“Our plan is to not only inform high school and tertiary graduates, as well as teachers and parents, of the career and lifestyle choices a career in citrus can provide, but also to offer industry assistance to the education sector where needed.”

Citrus Australia has been formulating plans to link with:

• • Secondary and tertiary education programs to showcase the diverse range of jobs available through the citrus supply chain
  • TAFEs to promote study opportunities in horticulture apprenticeships
  • Growers and citrus businesses to develop internships, providing a conduit to industry experience and potential apprenticeships

“We want students to think outside the square when assessing career options and potentially benefit from the opportunities a career in citrus provides,” Nathan said.

“You don’t need an agricultural background to work in the industry and demand will be high for skilled professionals.

“There are real pathways for career advancement, attractive wages and great opportunities for travel throughout Australia and the world.”

Citrus Australia has shared stories of those taking advantage of the diverse range of career opportunities in agriculture this month in the lead-up to National Ag Day, including our own media and communications officer, Gabby Torpey.

“Although I have an agricultural background, I never foreshadowed I’d end up working in agriculture again after completing my degree at uni,” Gabby said.

“I’m really in love with my role. I’ve been able to combine my passion of video production with storytelling. I’ve met so many amazing people in the citrus industry and travelled to some beautiful parts of Australia.”

Michael Edwards, completing Masters in Agricultural Sciences at Melbourne University, said the fields of agriculture and biosecurity provide multiple avenues for practical ideas.

“I like that I can apply mixed sciences such as economics, biology, meteorology, geography, and social science all into one project,” he said.

“Furthermore, the work has meaning and direction, and it is easy to get lost in seeking new knowledge and brainstorming new ideas.”

Ebony Faichney, a research horticulturist with Queensland’s Department of Agriculture, is a strong advocate for careers in ag and reinforced “there is a career in agriculture for everyone!”

“Agriculture is not just sitting in a tractor. Agriculture is science, people, plants, animals, engineering, weather, machinery, technology and environment.

“My role encompasses so many facets – organising field days, running scientific experiments, giving agronomic advice, presenting at conferences, advocating for our industry, it’s all in a day’s work.”

Nathan said sharing the opportunities in citrus and wider ag, and providing clearer pathways to get involved, will help the industry attract the pick of the crop of the next generation.

“Our industry is a vital component of both the fabric of regional Australia and also the national economy and bringing in the best and brightest students will ensure we have a bright future.”

For further information, contact Stephen Cooke, Industry Engagement Manager, Citrus Australia, on 0427 124 437 or stephen.cooke@citrusaustralia.com.au