SmartAg Queensland continues to make significant strides in equipping Queensland farmers with the necessary skills and training to build a stronger, more resilient agricultural workforce.
As an industry-led initiative designed by farmers for farmers, SmartAg Queensland ensures that the agriculture sector has access to relevant, cost-effective training opportunities.
The program supports Queensland’s farmers in attracting, training, and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce.
Recent upskilling and training achievements
Throughout April, SmartAg Queensland has continued to successfully deliver a range of training courses tailored to meet industry demands covering a wide spectrum of essential agricultural skills, including:
- Chemical Safety Course: 70 participants
- Cotton Picker Operator Training: 46 participants
- First Aid Training: 44 participants
- Geared Up Horticulture: 28 participants
- Truck Licensing: 53 participants
- Forklift Licensing: 19 participants
- Working at Heights: 11 participants
Since the program’s inception, a total of 2,152 training places have been subsidised, demonstrating the strong demand for practical, industry-relevant training opportunities.
Expanding opportunities and industry collaboration
Beyond delivering training, SmartAg Queensland has actively engaged with stakeholders and industry to expand opportunities for farmers and the agricultural workforce. This includes looking at:
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Side-by-side Training
- Grading Machinery Training
- Water and Energy Efficiency Training
Looking ahead: Upcoming training initiatives
- Remote Pilot Licensing
- The interest in Remote Pilot Licensing is growing with at least 10 businesses showing interest in participating over the next month
- Geared Up Horticulture
- The Geared-Up Horticulture initiative is rolling out continually until around August.
- Gearing Up Greenlife
- Negotiation training for Nursery producers will be happening on the 28th and 29th of May.
- Safety training
- The project will continue to support essential workplace health and safety training in various forms.
- Haulout Operator Training
- 2 courses are being run with the support of the project in the second week of May, in the Herbert River and Tully regions.
Contact
Jasmin Smith
SmartAg Queensland Coordinator, QFF
E jasmin@qff.org.au
M 0457 043 726
SmartAg Queensland is a collaboration between the Queensland Farmers’ Federation and the Queensland Government to support Queensland farmers.
SmartAg Queensland is being delivered in partnership with Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers and Canegrowers.