YOUR INDUSTRY
Does horticulture need mandatory training
? s r e k r o w w e n for BY MELISSA DENNING LABOUR SCHEME FACILITATOR
W
hile mandatory training is currently not being considered by the horticulture industry, Melissa Denning discusses the benefits of having such a program in place. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic amplified difficulties in sourcing on-farm labour, the time spent on recruitment, induction and initial training was listed as a high source of frustration for many growers. Horticulture roles can be hard and not everyone is suited to them, but for a grower to spend one- or two-days providing inductions and training to
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WA Grower SUMMER 2020
a worker who does not then return, it is very time consuming, costly and disappointing.
The link between the two cards is that they are mandatory requirements in their respective industries.
This high turnover of labour is a cost that no grower can sustain.
So I’d like to pose the question: is this something that could be implemented in the horticulture sector?
Other high turnover industries have been successful in implementing a standard card system to mitigate some industry-related risks.
Could the industry have a “Green Card” that is mandatory for all workers to obtain before starting a horticulture position?
This training could include: This high turnover The hospitality industry has its of labour is a cost that no • Workplace safety • Workplace biosecurity Responsible Service grower can sustain. • Food safety practices of Alcohol (RSA) course • Food hygiene practices that provides basic training on generic industry • Basic understanding of the award and difference between legislation and scenarios. The construction industry has the White Card that provides training on basic principles of health and safety, as well as prevention techniques to avoid workplace injuries. Both of these courses ensure that new workers have obtained a minimum standard of training to work in the chosen industry.
hourly and piece rates.
Growers have reported that international workers are often not familiar with workplace practices in Australia and might do something that is commonplace in their country, but completely illegal in Australia.
