At the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network’s (QAWN) recent annual workshop the opportunity to collaborate with the various agriculture BMP programs to help close skills and knowledge gaps was identified as a priority.
While a range of opportunities exist for farmers to improve and update their knowledge through informal training via field days and workshops, many farmers are not aware of what accredited training options are available. This is where QAWN Officers can help.
QAWN Project Manager Michelle Templin has started working with BMP Coordinators to review and update the mapping of skill needs to current units of competency, skill sets and full qualifications.
The idea is that when a skills gap is identified through the BMP process, the farmer will be given the option to contact the QAWN officer in their region to find out:
- What accredited units of competency / skill sets / full qualifications would be of benefit
- What registered training organisation (RTO) can deliver the training
- What funding is available to subsidise the training or what the fee for service cost is
In addition, if it is identified that there are a number of people who have the same skills gap in a particular region then the QAWN Officer could potentially work with an RTO to deliver a group training session.
To date, discussions have been held with the cotton, grazing and production horticulture BMP coordinators. For more information contact Michelle at mtemplin@growcom.com.au
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL QAWN OFFICERS:
- Southern Qld: Karen George, qawn_sqld@growcom.com.au, telephone: 0408 135 003
- South East Qld (Project Manager): Michelle Templin, mtemplin@growcom.com.au, telephone: 0400 231 949
- South Burnett: Stephanie Denman, stephanie.denman@daf.qld.gov.au, telephone 04160 0725
- Wide Bay Burnett: Kylie Jackson, kylie.jackson@bfvg.com.au, telephone: 0488 533 801
- Central Qld: Lorelle Stables, lorelle_stables@canegrowers.com.au, telephone 0423 370 368
- North Qld: Julia Wheway, workforce@bowengumlugrowers.com.au telephone 0427 009 929
- Far North Qld: Leanne Kruss, rwdo.mdfvga.fnq@gmail.com, telephone: 0431 743 633.