Out and about with QFVG’s QAWN Officers
Liz Ford and Amy Nash, our QFVG-hosted Queensland Agricultural Workforce Network Officers (QAWN) for Southern and Southeast Queensland, have been busy fostering connections between agribusinesses looking to connect with new employees, as well as inspiring the next generation of our all-important agricultural workforce.
Supervisor Short Course training
Since October 2024, QFVG’s QAWN Officers—in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation—have been rolling out free Supervisor Short Course training across Southern and Southeast Queensland.
Being a good supervisor is an important aspect of agricultural workforces. Strong interpersonal skills and fostering emotional intelligence means our on-farm supervisors can effectively motivate and communicate with their teams, leading to a harmonious and productive workplace.
Comprised of two days (8.30am-3.30pm) of in-person workshops and two 1.5-hour online sessions over a four-week period, this is a free accreditation available to all Queensland residents working in agriculture or an agribusiness.
So far, the Supervisor Short Course has been well-received in Caboolture and the Lockyer Valley, with a second round of Caboolture workshops to be held in early 2025, along with sessions in Stanthorpe and Toowoomba. Keep an eye on our social media channels or contact Amy or Liz to find out more.
Immersive Schools
Aspiring agricultural professionals have been getting hands-on experience recently, with students from Caboolture State High School spending a day working and observing operations at Kennallywood Stud in Mutdapilly. The 10-student group have a range of career goals, spanning many aspects of agriculture, and relished the opportunity to get their hands dirty.
A joint effort between QAWN’s Amy Nash, QFF’s Industry Workforce Advisor Kym Wessling and Kennallywood Equine owners Ali and Holly Hall-Perrin, the work experience day provides a template that could be well-replicated across other agricultural sectors, especially horticulture.
Caboolture SHS Head of Department for Agriculture, Aquatics and Hospitality, Janine Milne, described experiences like the Immersive Schools program as, “an amazing opportunity for students to see what the daily running of an extensive operation is like.”
“The students were able to see the broad range of opportunities ranging from practical tasks to high-level technical knowledge,” Ms Milne said.
QAWN Officer Amy Nash sees huge value in these practical exercises for agribusinesses and schools alike.
“We had a group of motivated students who got in and followed instructions, worked well as a team, and took the opportunity to learn and ask questions,” she said.
“It’s experiences like these that can get young people involved in ag, because we’re getting their foot in the door.”
If you’re a producer looking to inspire hard-working and enthusiastic young people to explore a career in agriculture, give Amy a call today.
Want to know more? Get in touch!
Whether you need to employ someone or want to train an existing employee to do the job, there are a wide range of services and government-funded programs to help you. Let the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network help point you in the right direction.
For more information visit: www.growcom.com.au/qawn or contact QFVG’s QAWN Officers:
Amy Nash
0456 639 098
anash@qfvg.com.au
Liz Ford
0499 833 868
lford@qfvg.com.au
The Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network is funded by the Queensland Government.
