The Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed a state government review of the TAFE system, which is examining how best to meet the changing needs of the agricultural sector.
VFF president Emma Germano said she was hopeful the review would have a vocational focus, in creating more pathways to employment.
She said it was also hoped it would result in "constant engagement" with employers, as students completed their training.
"We hope it will be meaningful," Ms Gremano said.
"There are a lot of bureaucratic reviews and processes that go on, but now is the most critical time in agriculture, where we have this overwhelming skills shortage."
Skills training needed to reflect modern innovation and technology on farms.
"It also has to line up with the visa system," she said.
Training was required in every part of the agricultural sector.
"Its the one issue that just about every farmer, of every description, talks about as being something that's really difficult - it's hard to get that extra support," Ms Germano said.
TAFE courses needed to be tailored towards encouraging young people, who sometimes felt intimidated by entering training or study.
"We have to be reviewing the system and making sure its super fit for purpose and removing barriers to people taking up traineeships in agriculture."
The review will be headed by Buninyong Labor MP Michaela Settle, a TAFE graduate who ran a sheep property in Ararat for more than a decade.
The review aims to:
- Ensure agriculture training remains innovative and relevant
- Understand the factors involved in student choice
- Ensure that TAFE and Learn Locals can continue to be at the centre of agricultural training
- Explore how TAFE training can continue meeting the needs of employers and students
The government said there would be extensive consultation with industry, employers, TAFE and other training providers and students.
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
