Six new projects have now commenced across the agriculture, horticulture, conservation and land management (AHC) industries. Technological advances are continuing to drive change and provide opportunities for growth as industry works to meet increasing demand for food and fibre in Australia and globally. Increases in productivity, and the capacity to rehabilitate and maintain ecosystems and green spaces are key objectives. The qualifications and skills standards for a range of job roles will be revised and updated to reflect current skills needs.
You are invited to provide input to describe the skills requirements of these sectors.
The draft qualifications and skills standards will become available for broad industry feedback later in 2020. Your feedback will allow them to reflect real work practices.
An alert will be sent out through this newsletter once the they are available for comment. You are welcome to forward this information on to your colleagues in the sector.
Animal Reproduction Project
Recent technological advancements and improved availability of existing technology are helping farmers manage the breeding of their livestock and poultry. While expertise to identify breeding objectives, genetic influences, animal soundness and animal breeding health have been used for generations, updated skills are needed to work with new technologies.
This project will review qualifications and skills standards for animal reproduction, supporting the skills needed to manage breeding programs. This will help increase livestock and poultry production and profitability.
For more information, visit the project page.
Crops, Pastures and Seed Project
Farmers and seed producers are drawing on the latest technology and science to keep up with increasing global demand for food and fibre, and to combat challenges brought about by changing environmental conditions.
As part of this project, the skills standards for broadacre cropping, pastures and seed will be reviewed and updated to reflect the skills needed to work with the latest equipment and processes.
For more information, visit the project page.
Dairy and Milk Harvesting Project
The future of Australian dairy farming is interesting, with developments in robotic technology and automated milking systems. At the same time, traditional methods are still valued and used in a range of settings.
Industry will be consulted in this review and update of skills standards in dairy harvesting operations, so that they reflect the vast array of technologies used and broader range of skills needed.
For more information, visit the project page.
Landscaping Project
A skilled workforce of landscape professionals are responsible for constructing and designing safe, comfortable, and sustainable green spaces for entertainment and enjoyment. As urban spaces become more condensed, landscapers are being asked to make the most of garden spaces.
This project will review and update current qualifications, skill sets and units of competency in landscaping construction and design, so that they reflect current industry trends, support safe work practices, and promote clear career pathways.
For more information, visit the project page
Parks and Gardens Project
The skills requirements of jobs in the parks and gardens sector have been changing in recent times, as industry focuses on more sustainable practices to promote biodiversity, adapt to climate change, and acknowledge the cultural significance of these spaces.
This project will review and update skills standards for managing and maintaining parks and gardens, so that they reflect current terminology, equipment and practices. This will support the longevity of Australian parks and gardens spaces for public use.
For more information, visit the project page.
Skills for Land Rehabilitation Project (Mined Land)
While the skills for the conservation and management of Australia’s many unique ecosystems are generally applicable to a range of geographically diverse natural locations, specialist knowledge is needed when restoring land that has been used for mining.
Industry will be consulted throughout this project to define the hands-on skills needed to restore mined land to a safe, stable environment.
With more than 50,000 mines that are no longer used across Australia, it is essential that these skills are supported and accessible.
For more information, visit the project page.
