Design Approach of an Extension Program for Best Practice Management of Future Workforce Skills: The SHIFT Project

Nicole McDonald; Jo Eady; Chantal Corish; Amy Cosby

Authors

Nicole McDonald CQUniversity
Jo Eady RuralScope
Chantal Corish CQUniversity
Amy Cosby CQUniversity

Abstract

This discussion paper reports on the design approach for the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) funded action research project, Best Practice Management of Future Workforce Skills: The SHIFT Project. While there is substantial literature on the design and delivery of a range of extension projects in Australian agriculture, the study of strategies that support farmers to address workforce challenges is an emerging field. We share our co-design approach to identify and develop on-farm workforce non-technical skills in the Australian cotton industry. Non-technical skills have been identified as vital for workforce adaptability and as such can be considered skills required for the future. We suggest our approach may be useful for designing employability programs for Australian agriculture tertiary students.

Author Biographies

Nicole McDonald, CQUniversity

Dr Nicole McDonald is a Senior Research Fellow – Agri-tech Education and Extension at CQUniversity Australia with Bachelor of Science Hons 1 (Psychology) and a PhD in the Vocational Psychology of Agriculture.
Jo Eady, RuralScope

Jo Eady is the Director of Ruralscope and a recognised leadership expert in Australian Agriculture. Since 2000 she has supported over 5000 clients on their leadership journey via programs, workshops, coaching and mentoring. Jo holds a Master in Education (Linguistics) from the University of South Australia
Chantal Corish, CQUniversity

Chantal is a Doctoral Candidate with CQU and CRDC, project title: Understanding the role of Psychological Safety on Learning and Performance Behaviours Among Cotton Farming Leaders and Employees. She is an AHPRA registered psychologist with a private practice in rural Australia for nearly two decades.
Amy Cosby, CQUniversity

Associate Professor Amy Cosby is a Senior Research Fellow – Agri-tech Education and Extension at CQUniversity Australia with a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws (Hons 1) and a PhD in Precision Agriculture. Amy is a leading practitioner and researcher in the field of student and teacher engagement within the agricultural industry and has extensive experience in leading large projects with a wide range of partners. Amy currently works with educators, researchers and industry professionals to develop innovative programs to increase the skills and knowledge of teachers and students in agricultural concepts, tools and systems.