Inquiry into agricultural education and training in Victoria

The agriculture sector in Victoria is experiencing skills shortages across a number of occupations and industries, and these shortages are predicted to continue over the next five years. The industry is also facing changes in response to economic and market forces. Currently, there is low demand for formal agricultural education and training throughout Australia. In response to these challenges, the Education and Training Committee of the Parliament of Victoria was asked to consider: the current extent of agricultural-related courses delivered in Victoria; the effectiveness of current agricultural programs; whether the workforce training needs of agriculture are being met; and well-regarded agricultural education in other Australian states and territories, or other countries. The inquiry considered agricultural education and training across four sectors: the school; vocational education and training (VET); higher education; and non-formal education and training sectors. The findings and recommendations in this report provide a framework for creating a strong agricultural education and training system that attracts new entrants into agriculture and meets the needs of the sector. Show less