With another huge grain harvest on the cards for NSW growers this season, securing reliable workers that can safely operate harvest machinery and equipment has become a significant priority.

To respond to the challenge of a scarce workforce, AgSkilled 2.0 is offering three two-day harvest courses to provide further tractor, chaser bin and other harvest machinery training during October. Eligible participants must be confident in operating a tractor.

AgSkilled is a three year, $15 million NSW Government funded program running to 30 June 2023.

It is focussed on upskilling NSW’s plant-growing agricultural workforce to ensure the industry is well equipped to meet current and future challenges. This workforce development program is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and other industry partners such as Cotton Australia, Horticulture Innovation Australia, the NSW Wine Industry Association, Ricegrowers' Association of Australia and AgriFutures Australia.

The harvest operations courses, which are fee-free for eligible participants, will be delivered by Tocal College and aim to develop and refine participants’ knowledge in safely operating necessary machinery at harvest.

This includes learning the processes of grain harvest, basic operational principles of a tractor and chaser bin, combine harvester, grain cartage, handling, storage and general farm workplace health and safety.

Tocal College Business Development Officer, Heidi Smith says this course was developed to further upskill those interested in a career in the grains industry and allow them to participate in peak industry times like harvest safely.

“This course provides an opportunity for those working in the grains industry to become more confident in operating essential farm machinery during peak times on farm,” she says.

“Having people with the skills to safely and confidently operate harvest machinery is integral to all grain farming systems and will open up extensive work opportunities for those that undertake the course.”

GRDC Senior Regional Manager – North, Gillian Meppem says one of the most prominent issues in the grains industry currently is securing and retaining workers, especially in peak times like harvest.

“Taking part in a course like this will give participants the opportunity to be involved in an exciting time in agriculture and secure a well paying job in a flourishing industry,” she says.

“NSW’s grain harvest is expected to be significant this year, opening up numerous employment opportunities for those willing to be involved.

“I strongly encourage anyone interested in the grains industry to look at whether they could take part in this course to learn the valuable skills that are so important to all grain farming businesses.”

To assess whether you or a member of your workforce is eligible to participate in this training, fill out an application form via the AgSkilled website.

Those that do not qualify for funding can opt to undertake the course for a fee of $950.

Courses will be running in the following locations:

• Mungindi – 11 & 12 October
• Quandialla – 18 & 19 October
• Trangie – 20 & 21 October