Exploring an Australian Cotton and Grains Agricultural Traineeship Model

Abstract

The Australian agricultural industry is currently experiencing a significant labour shortage. Despite an increase in enrolments in agricultural university degrees, this trend has not extended to vocational education and training courses. This review paper explores how Vocational Educational Training (VET) and formal apprenticeships and traineeships can provide viable pathways for school leavers and career changers in the cotton and grains industry. The paper will discuss the Australian apprenticeship and traineeship landscape, the need to further promote agricultural careers and pathways in Australia, and how agricultural education and training programs operate in other countries. Additionally, the paper will provide recommendations for strategies and partnerships to increase on-farm workforce capacity within the Australian cotton and grains industry, highlighting agricultural apprenticeships and traineeships as a solution for labour shortages and contributing to farm sustainability.