Video puts agriculture careers in the frame

Published Friday, 22 March, 2019 at 10:30 AM

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Mark Furner

A new video developed for Queensland high school students is showcasing the many and varied career opportunities in Queensland agriculture. 

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the ‘Your Future in Agriculture’ video highlighted some of the current, emerging and ever-evolving roles that support agriculture.

“The ‘Your Future in Agriculture’ video will help students, their parents and their teachers, to better understand the opportunities that agriculture and agribusiness offer,” Mr Furner said.

“Whether a student is in Mt Isa or Brisbane, the video will help identify opportunities and advice for students considering agriculture and agribusiness careers.”

Mr Furner said the video was developed in partnership with industry, through the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance.

“The Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RJSA) led by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has worked closely with the diverse agricultural industries we have here in Queensland to produce this informative video,” Mr Furner said.

“The video is a great example of the collaboration between government and industry in promoting careers in agriculture and I have asked RJSA to develop a proposal for future industry engagement with schools.

“The Queensland Government is investing $3 million over 2018-2021 to support the great work of the RJSA, which provides strategic advice on future skilling and training needs of the agriculture sector; and QAWN which assists agribusinesses to attract, develop and retain skilled workers across the State.”

QFF President Stuart Armitage said the ‘Your Future in Agriculture’ video was a positive step in attracting and engaging the next generation of agricultural workers for the future of the sector.

“The video highlights to school students the importance of food, fibre, foliage and renewable fuel production and the endless opportunities and diverse career pathways available in agriculture,” Mr Armitage said.

“Passionate agricultural workers redefine what it means to work in the sector by challenging the common misconceptions and inspiring students to consider the interesting and rewarding employment opportunities agriculture offers.”

“RJSA is committed to ensuring the Queensland agriculture sector has a sustainable, capable and high performing workforce now and in the future.”

Mr Furner said the video’s content aligned with the evolving school curriculum’s increased focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“STEM subjects are of great importance to agriculture as all of those disciplines are relevant to modern food and fibre production,” Mr Furner said.

“Agriculture plays a vital role in communities across Queensland and I have no doubt that the ‘Your Future in Agriculture’ video will reap significant rewards for both the sector and high school students.”

ENDS

Media contact: Ron Goodman          0427 781 920             ron.goodman@ministerial.qld.gov.au

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxvfLy6Z8zg&feature=youtu.be