YOUNG school leavers will get their chance to try farming or agribusiness for a career with the launch of a new program on National Agriculture Day.

Today, on National Agriculture Day, the National Farmers’ Federation announcing the pilot 2-month AgCAREERSTART program for school leavers wanting to try a job in agriculture and experience the unique opportunities the sector has to offer.

An agriculture gap year has been a central component of the NFF’s 2030 Roadmap.

NFF chief executive officer Tony Mahar said the NFF is pleased to announce the new opportunity for young Australians, providing them with a new avenue for a career in the sector.

“Demonstrating the diverse, exciting roles on offer in agriculture is a priority for the NFF and AgCAREERSTART is doing exactly that.

“Through the leadership of Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, AgCAREERSTART will offer new opportunities for school leavers and young Australians across the country,” he said.

“The NFF is delighted to lead this program with the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment and consortium partners AgriFutures, Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) and NFF Members across Australia.”

Through AgCAREERSTART, participants will be employed under award wages on qualified farms for up to 12 months. Participants will receive safety training and relocation assistance.

The program will also provide an opportunity to build skills and qualifications that young people can use in high-skill roles in Australian agriculture.

“Australian agriculture is a modern industry with diverse and rewarding opportunities. AgCAREERSTART will showcase these opportunities through hands-on experience to people who might otherwise not consider the industry.

“AgCAREERSTART not only provides school leavers a chance to get out in the bush and try their hand at farm work but also an opportunity to gain important skills that they can use in other agriculture careers,” Mr Mahar said.

“By fostering opportunities between agriculture and young people, the NFF is building long-term connections and careers that will ultimately benefit the industry long after the gap year.

“The NFF-led goal for agriculture to be a $100 billion by 2030 industry depends on a skilled workforce of the future,” he said.

“AgCAREERSTART will be a key component of building this workforce and delivering on NFF’s target to increase agriculture’s available workforce by 25 percent by 2030.”

Through a delivery partnership with Cotton Australia, Dairy Australia, GrainGrowers Limited, NSW Farmers, NT Farmers, Primary Producers SA and the Victorian Farmers’ Federation, the NFF said it will deliver a diverse and deeply embedded program in regional networks.

“Through this support, AgCAREERSTART will be a program that is truly representative of Australian agriculture that provides the best experiences for participants,” Mr Mahar said.

At the end of the gap year, participants will have access to ongoing support through an alumni network, career advice, and the potential of continuing employment and seasonal work opportunities.

To find out more about being a gap year participant or on-farm host, register your details here agcareerstart.com.au