TAFE NSW Showcases In-Demand Agriculture Careers at Henty Machinery Field Days

TAFE NSW is taking centre stage at the Henty Machinery Field Days, encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in the booming agricultural sector. With the industry facing an ongoing skills shortage, TAFE NSW is stepping up to play a crucial role in addressing the workforce gap and preparing future agricultural workers for a sector undergoing rapid technological change.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has highlighted the importance of TAFE NSW in its roadmap, which aims to grow the agricultural workforce by 25 per cent over the next decade. As part of this effort, TAFE NSW is showcasing a range of training pathways at southern Australia’s largest agricultural fair, which runs from 17 to 19 September.

The TAFE NSW Primary Industries Centre has maintained a strong presence at the Henty Field Days for more than 35 years.

This year’s exhibition is one of the largest ever, featuring seven “junior judging stations” where attendees can learn about various aspects of agriculture, including beef genetics, sheep production, crops and pastures, animal studies, and wool production.

Local students from primary and high schools are invited to participate and gain insight into how TAFE NSW’s agriculture courses can lead to fulflling careers in the sector.

In addition to interactive displays, the TAFE NSW site includes live demonstrations of shearing, horticulture, domestic pet frst aid, and virtual welding technology. Current TAFE NSW Certifcate IV and Diploma agriculture students are also attending the event to network with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements in farm equipment, machinery, and services. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and

Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), the agricultural industry reached a record value of $80 billion in 202223. Recognizing the importance of upskilling, the NSW Government has extended the AgSkilled program, an initiative designed to prepare the agricultural workforce for the future by focusing on training in innovation, research, and technology.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, emphasized the importance of investing in the agriculture workforce to meet future demand. “Agriculture is a rapidly changing industry, and whether it’s in technology, working the land, or in a lab, there are so many exciting career opportunities.

TAFE NSW’s close collaboration with agricultural employers ensures training is relevant and meets the industry’s evolving needs.”

The Riverina-Murray region, which contributes the most to agriculture production in NSW, is home to two TAFE NSW specialist campuses—the Primary Industries Centre and the National Environment Centre— both of which are integral to training future agricultural workers.

Rob Harris, Head Teacher of Agriculture at the TAFE NSW Primary Industries Centre, emphasized the value of the Henty Field Days as a platform for showcasing pathways into agriculture. “It’s an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how TAFE NSW equips students with the real-world skills needed to launch their careers in agriculture.

Our campuses provide hands-on learning experiences on working farms, enabling students to engage with the latest technology and start their careers with confdence.”

TAFE NSW’s presence at the Henty Machinery Field Days highlights the crucial role of education and training in ensuring the long-term success of the agriculture industry. By equipping future workers with the skills and knowledge needed for a dynamic and evolving sector, TAFE NSW is helping to secure the future of Australian agriculture.