Training collaboration grows leadership in horticulture
When you’re the largest privately owned and operated commercial grower and supplier of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries throughout Australia, that means you’re responsible for more than five million plants and 500 staff who grow, pick, and pack these delicious morsels.
That’s the story of Queensland Berries who have been working alongside our Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) Officer for Southeast Queensland Amy Nash to equip their staff with relevant knowledge and skills.
Queensland Berries have recently participated in two QAWN-supported initiatives: SmartAg Queensland and and the Supervisors Short Course; Building Capabilities for Agricultural Businesses Project.
Through SmartAg, Queensland Berries staff undertook chemical certification training and truck licensing.
SmartAg training sees the State’s QAWN Officers work alongside the Queensland Farmers’ Federation to deliver targeted training that aids in attracting, upskilling, and retaining Queensland’s skilled and diverse agricultural workforce.
Meanwhile, the Supervisor Short Course, delivered in partnership with UQ Skills, has seen 30 senior leaders from Queensland Berries undertake training that not only enhances their day-to-day management skills, but empowers them to identify development needs, create tailored workplace development plans, and monitor their effectiveness.
Queensland Berries reported that having leaders within their business participate in the Supervisor Short Course gave these staff, “valuable insights into leading themselves and others, developing emotional intelligence, and building self-awareness and social skills.”
The complexities of workforce development, management, and retention are unique in horticulture. With employment spanning seasonal labourers to full-time employees, and having workers in varying roles from the field to the pack shed, and office, there are many practical and emotional skillsets required throughout the business.
Queensland Berries recognise and champion the efforts of their staff in navigating the constantly evolving horticulture industry, stating, “our secret ingredient is our people, and we want to help them develop to be the best they can be.”
That is why the work QAWN Officers do in linking horticultural businesses with nationally accredited training that is industry funded and delivered is crucial in supporting the work our farmers do in feeding our families and putting clothes on our backs.
Based on the feedback received from Queensland Berries, it’s clear QAWN is collaborating with professionals and programs that respond directly to industry needs.
“Our participation in the UQ Skills Supervisor Short Course aligns with our mission and will be an essential component of us bringing our corporate values to life in everything we do,” said Queensland Berries Human Resources Manager, Hope White.
Amy and the QAWN team will continue to foster these important links to support the growth and retention of Queensland’s agricultural workforce.
Are you a producer looking to grow or empower your workforce?
Contact your local QAWN Officer today: www.growcom.com.au/qawn
The Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network is funded by the Queensland Government.
