Agricultural producers on the inner Darling Downs are set to benefit from the new Agri-Connect Pilot Initiative that bridges the gap between employers and the skilled workforce they need, creating opportunities for the region’s producers and talent pool of skilled migrants living locally.

The program has already been used by a business with a site at Cambooya.

Liz Ford, Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) Officer for Southern Queensland is leading the project, which is funded through Jobs Queensland’s Grow Your Own Workforce Program.

Agri-Connect serves as a platform for employers and skilled migrants to engage with one another.

For agribusinesses, it offers cultural competence training, preparing them to work effectively with a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce.

Meanwhile, for migrant workers, Agri-Connect opens doors to various job opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Since the program’s launch in mid-July, two producers have hosted information sessions for students learning English at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus.

Michelle Flowers, Human Resources Manager at Koala Farms spoke with 100 students about the employment possibilities across Koala’s two Queensland sites in Lake Clarendon and Cambooya.

Michelle’s presentation was warmly received by the group, with many questions asked post-presentation, and students going back to their TAFE tutors asking how to apply for jobs.

Students eager to learn more will be offered further opportunities to tour Koala Farms to see first-hand the variety of skillsets needed on farm.

For other Toowoomba agribusinesses keen to engage this talent pool, but unsure how to welcome workers new to Australia into their business, Agri-Connect provides the perfect solution.

Participating agri-businesses receive free tailored cultural training from Multicultural Australia, valued at $5,000, for up to 100 employees.

The new Agri-Connect Pilot initiative bridges the gap between employers and the skilled workforce they need.

This training helps businesses retain and work effectively alongside people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Migrant workers can fill roles from picking and packing to machinery operation, truck driving, Quality Assurance, Workplace Health and Safety, IT, administration, and leadership.

The project is further supported by Multicultural Affairs Queensland, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation’s Industry Skills Advisor and Industry Workforce Advisor, as well as TAFE Queensland.

If you’re part of an agribusiness in the Toowoomba region who is looking to grow your team, get in touch with Liz Ford via 0499 833 868 or lford@qfvg.com.au.

This article appeared in  On Our Selection News, 28 November 2024.