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
Since January, SmartAg Queensland has continued to successfully deliver a range of training courses tailored to meet industry demands. In February and March alone, the program facilitated training for more than 500 participants, covering a wide spectrum of essential agricultural skills, including:
- Chemical Safety Course: 125 participants
- Cotton Picker Operator Training: 95 participants
- First Aid Training: 91 participants
- Truck Licensing: 53 participants
- Shine Workshops: 56 participants
- Forklift Licensing: 46 participants
- Freshcare Training: 30 participants
SmartAg Queensland remains committed to evolving its training offerings to meet the growing needs of the industry. Some additional opportunities provided in the last two months, include:
- SHINE workshops: Two in-person sessions were undertaken in March, with webinars now underway as part of the training program.
- Geared Up HR workshops: A new initiative now underway supporting workforce management in the horticulture sector through QFVG.
- Advanced Spray Training: A highly anticipated program that has been rolled out in Goondiwindi. The program will now be rolled out across Queensland through 2025.
Since the program’s inception, a total of 1,950 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 to expand opportunities for farmers and the agricultural workforce. Recent collaborations include:
- Discussions with AgCareerStart (National Farmers’ Federation) to explore new pathways for agricultural training.
- Engaging with Queensland Government representatives to highlight SmartAg’s achievements and its role in supporting the state’s workforce development.
- Working with industry bodies such as Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG), Canegrowers, Cotton Australia, and NGIQ to develop tailored training programs that meet the evolving needs of Queensland’s primary producers.
- Attending industry events like AgriFutures EvokeAg to gain insights into AgTech advancements and future training opportunities.
Looking ahead: Upcoming training initiatives
- Remote Pilot Licensing: Enabling farmers to adopt drone technology for precision agriculture, with a structured application process to streamline participation.
Addressing emerging challenges
As SmartAg Queensland continues to expand, new challenges are emerging. Large-scale farms are increasingly equipping their staff to conduct on-site accredited training, potentially shifting the landscape of agricultural education. Workforce shortages, particularly in specialised training such as Haulout operations, also remain a key area of focus for future workforce development strategies.
A strong future for Queensland agriculture
The momentum behind SmartAg Queensland continues to build. The strong interest in training programs like chemical safety, first aid, and forklift operation reflects the industry’s commitment to upskilling and maintaining a safe and capable workforce. Moving forward, SmartAg Queensland will continue to refine its processes, expand its offerings, and ensure that Queensland’s farmers have the skills they need to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape. As evidenced by the uptake of Cotton Picker Operator Training and the SHINE workshops, the needle is shifting away from pure safety training to productivity enhancement and business education.
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.