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This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees. The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate specifically to the Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation and Ecosystem Management industries.

Key findings include: (1) The Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation and Ecosystem Management industries are going through significant transformation and facing challenges from multiple sources, including natural disasters, global markets, changing consumer taste, technological development and the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic; (2) The demands for skills, labour and work are likely to grow beyond the current predictions and expectations of the National Skills Commission and other analysis bodies. This points to a lack of analytic data available specifically for this field, including on new and emerging industry sectors and skills, which is expanding as the industry continues to be elevated as a national priority, especially in relation to addressing climate and in recognition of the critical importance of biodiversity and biosecurity to all Australian land and water activities.

The Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping and Conservation and Land Management IRC have identified priorities which they recommend for future consideration, including: the finalisation of the Unit Sector Approach for reviewing the AHC Training Package, and further consideration of the Rural Operations qualifications, including the potential for greater recognition of ecosystem management as a key part of rural activities; evaluation of the Unit Sector Approach for the review of the AHC Training Package; working with other agribusiness, food and fibre industries on research and planning projects to identify and address skills gaps relating to traceability, provenance and blockchain; identifying digital skills needs using the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks); and working with the Arts and Personal Services Cluster (specifically relating to Tourism and Hospitality) to ensure that food handling, biosecurity, provenance, traceability and other relevant skills are incorporated into their qualifications with the guidance of experts from the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industry Cluster.

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This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees. The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate specifically to the Agriculture and Production Horticulture industries.

Key findings include: (1) The Agriculture and Production Horticulture industries are going through significant transformation and facing challenges from multiple sources, including natural disasters, global markets, changing consumer taste, technological development and the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic; (2) With such a smorgasbord of issues impacting on agriculture, it is difficult to identify the priorities relating to workforce planning and skills needs. Currently it is clear that the industry needs access to labour, the recovery from natural disasters, stabilisation of markets and access to new and recently closed markets before workforce planning and skills needs can be addressed.

The Agriculture and Production Horticulture Industry Reference Committee has identified priorities which they recommend for future consideration, including: the finalisation of the Unit Sector Approach for reviewing the AHC Training Package, and further consideration of the Rural Operations qualifications, including the potential for broader skills requirements as a key part of rural activities; working with other industry clusters, identify qualifications that need to incorporate new and updated units from the current AHC Training Package project to identify a quick way to ensure adequate consultation can take place to update qualifications to ensure access to the most recent training standards and to assist registered training organisation (RTO) delivery of units; identifying any assistance that can be provided across all industries utilising AHC training products to enhance appropriate implementation, enrolments and viability of training delivery; evaluation of the Unit Sector Approach for the review of the AHC Training Package; working with other agribusiness, food and fibre industries on research and planning projects to identify and address skills gaps relating to traceability, provenance and blockchain; and identifying digital skills needs using the Agricultural Digital Workforce Framework, and the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks).

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Skills Impact has prepared this Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report at the request of 12 Industry Reference Committees (IRCs), whose role is to consider industry skills requirements in the development and review of training packages. The first of its kind, the document reports on the many commonalities in the skills and knowledge required in the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries, and the similar issues that they face. The current structures governing the vocational education and training (VET) training package and IRC system make these commonalties difficult to identify.

In presenting prevalent issues and responses common across all Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries, this document can be used as a resource for supporting the increasing levels of diversity within businesses, as well as the move to Industry Clusters as part of the Australian Government's skills reform agenda. It provides insights into opportunities for skills development in a more holistic fashion than is possible when working across eight training packages and 12 IRCs individually.

The group of industries comprises: (1) Agribusiness: including agriculture, horticulture, ecosystem management, animal care, aquaculture, fishing, racing, and business leadership and management; (2) Food: including food processing, baking, beverage production, brewing, distilling, wine, meat and seafood; and (3) Forestry and fibre: including forest management and harvesting, pulp and paper, timber processing and products, building and furnishing solutions.

The 12 IRCs are: (1) Agriculture and Production Horticulture; (2) Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, and Conservation and Land Management; (3) Animal Care and Management; (4) Aquaculture and Wild Catch; (5) Food and Beverage; (6) Forest Management and Harvesting; (7) Meat Industry; (8) Pharmaceutical Manufacturing; (9) Pulp and Paper; (10) Racing and Breeding; (11) Timber and Wood Processing; (12) Timber Building Solutions.

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The skills reports for the industry groups are available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.308 to TD/TNC 149.316. Show less

This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees (IRCs). The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate specifically to the Animal Care and Management industries.

Key findings include: (1) The animal care and management industry has experienced accelerated growth in service sectors, as pet ownership has experienced almost 10 per cent growth over the last two years. While career opportunities are available, there are issues attracting labour; (2) Services in regional, rural and remote Australia have fared less well, with lack of availability due to travel restrictions and labour shortages. Work with Indigenous ranger groups is helping to address some issues in remote communities; however, this is not an adequate replacement for animal care services; and (3) The industry remains difficult to properly identify given the lack of relevant and appropriate ANZSCO and ANZSIC classifications. This issue will need to be addressed to support future industry growth and collection of relevant data.

The IRC has identified priorities for consideration by the new Industry Cluster body (assuming establishment proceeds), including: working with other agribusiness, food and fibre industries on research and planning projects to identify and address skills gaps related to traceability, provenance and blockchain; review of qualifications in veterinary nursing, including addressing mandatory workplace requirements consistent with new standards introduced in 2022; identifying digital skills needs using the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks).

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees. The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate specifically to the Racing and Breeding industries.

Key findings include: (1) The Racing and Breeding industries have experienced less disruption than many other industries over the last two years due to high-level biosecurity and health protocols allowing continuation of the industry in most jurisdictions. However the industry did not come out unscathed, and the Tasmanian industry in particular is still recovering. While career opportunities are available, there are issues attracting labour; (2) The updated Training Package has been working well and there were indications that registered training organisations (RTOs) were considering placing qualifications on scope until the onset of [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID and the rationalisation of operations for many RTOs. Even in this environment, new breeding offerings have commenced in New South Wales; (3) A number of integrity (Stewards) bodies have been looking at ways to facilitate training and skills gaps. Skills impact has been communicating with bodies to ensure the National Training Package remains relevant and that consideration is being given to relevant training across jurisdiction and sectors; and (4) The addition of the occupation of track rider to the ANZSCO Codes has been warmly greeted by the industry, opening avenues to address a major skills shortage.

The IRC considers attracting new industry entrants to the industry remains the biggest challenge for the industry and many efforts are being taken by industry to this end. The IRC suggests that the priorities of for consideration by the new industry cluster body (assuming establishment proceeds), should include any support that can be given to these endeavours, including: creating nationally consistent assessment and training resources across all qualifications, with immediate priorities for track riders and stewards/integrity qualifications; activities to support engagement with employers that have identified RTO barriers to delivery; mapping of career pathways to assist the National Careers Institute to address critical workforce shortages through the promotion of careers; Review of RGR40221 - Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) to remove prerequisites and duplications, included in the core concerning riding, to free up training hours to include updated skills required to fill training gaps; and identifying digital skills needs utilising the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks).

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees (IRCs). The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate specifically to the Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical industries.

Key findings include: (1) The Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical industries are going through significant transformation and facing challenges from multiple sources, including natural disasters, global market instability, changing consumer tastes, technological development and the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic; (2) There are major growth opportunities for industry, and the Federal Government has identified these industries as priority strategic industries for Australia, through priority manufacturing strategic plans. There is increasing diversity in the offerings within industry, while innovation to address environmental concerns is at the forefront of processing considerations; and (3) Recent updates to the FBP Food Beverage and Pharmaceutical Training Package have provided improved skilling opportunities and have assisted in identifying and meeting skills demands throughout the tumultuous period of the last two years (and continuing).

The IRC has identified priorities for consideration by the new Industry Cluster body (assuming establishment proceeds), including: leading an agribusiness, food and fibre industries skills analysis, workforce planning and development project to identify and address occupational skills gaps related to traceability, provenance and blockchain; review of qualifications related to baking, and consideration of the need to develop nationally consistent assessment and training materials linked to the relevant occupations, and promotion of career attraction and opportunities for the baking industry; review of wine operations training products to better meet industry needs; identifying digital skills needs utilising the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks). A review of the FBP Training Package has identified relevant products relating to food waste, though developments in this area should be monitored for future consideration.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees. The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate specifically to the Australian Meat Processing industry.

Key findings include: (1) The Australian meat industry is experiencing an extreme labour shortage, with meat processors looking for an average of 26 additional workers per business, and retail butchers looking for an average of four additional workers per business. Two-thirds of meat/smallgoods processors are operating below 80 per cent capacity (around one-quarter are only operating at 50-60 per cent capacity), while almost half of retail butchers are operating below 80 per cent capacity; (2) Findings from Australian Meat Industry Council research indicate a complexity of reasons for the labour shortfall, including general unwillingness to work in the industry, other business and employment opportunities being more appealing, a lack of international worker availability, failure of new industry entrants to pass pre-employment medical requirements and low unemployment in local regions; and (3) At the same time, industry trends indicate a need for higher-level skills, including increased safety skills relating to biosecurity issues and infection control.

The IRC has identified priorities for the consideration of the forthcoming Industry Cluster body (assuming establishment proceeds), including: the next stage (Stage 2 of 3) of the AMP Training Package Whole of Training Package/Core and Foundation Qualifications project; evaluation of Stage 1 of the Whole of Training Package/Core and Foundation Qualifications approach for the AMP Training Package; training and assessment materials to support the delivery of recently updated and new training products for the Meat Processing sector; working with other agribusiness, food and fibre industries on research and planning projects to identify and address skills gaps related to traceability, provenance and blockchain; identifying digital skills needs using the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks).

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees (IRCs). The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate to the Aquaculture and Wild Catch Industry, and identify issues that are specific to these sectors.

Key findings include: (1) The value chain encompassing the Aquaculture and Wild Catch Industry has been meeting the needs of Australians through a time of rapid change and increasing challenges, both in number and complexity. This value chain is being as affected by biosecurity concerns as any industry in Australia; (2) There are many potential opportunities for growth, with a need for investment, workforce, skills and training to take advantage of these opportunities. The opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people to undertake roles at all levels and sectors from business leaders to industry entrants continue to grow; (3) The Seafood Industries Training Package is effectively addressing skills needs for all sectors, and the recent updating to incorporate digital skills throughout the Training Package is also delivering results. However, this has not been enough to improve access to training or to attract and retain workers for the sector.

The Aquaculture and Wild Catch IRC has identified key priorities in skills and training for the consideration of industry, including: support for engaging with employers to address registered training organisation (RTO) barriers to delivery of Seafood, Aquaculture and Wild Catch Fishing, potentially including the development of nationally consistent assessment and training materials, and participation in industry attraction and retention programs working with the National Careers Institute and relevant federal, state, territory and industry bodies; working with the National Skills Commission on accuracy of skills and jobs data in these sectors, including at a regional level, which provides a more accurate representation of skills and training needs than the equivalent at national or State/Territory level; playing a key role in an agribusiness, food and fibre industries research and planning project to identify and address skills gaps related to traceability, provenance and blockchain; and identifying digital skills needs utilising the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks).

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

This document follows the Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 149.307], which was produced collaboratively with the assistance of 12 Industry Reference Committees. The Agribusiness, Food and Fibre Industries Skills Report documented the skills and issues that are common across those industries. This document is an attempt to identify how those common issues relate specifically to the Forest and Wood Products industries.

Key findings include: (1) The forest and wood products industries have been challenged for years by changes in environmental and sustainability policies, natural events and disasters, and climate change. In addition, there are volatile local and international markets, which underwent major transformations as a result of [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19; and (2) The forest and wood products industries are also one of the most important industries and key to Australia's efforts to address climate change. Forestry is one of the most efficient and effective methods of carbon sequestration; and plantation expansion would help Australia meet its future wood needs, increase carbon stores in the built environment, and contribute to the circular economy through the sustainable, renewable and recyclable potential of timber products.

The three IRCs have identified priorities which they recommend for future consideration, including: further research and planning work to identify and address low enrolments and thin markets; working with other agribusiness, food and fibre industries on research and planning projects to identify and address skills gaps relating to traceability, provenance and blockchain; identifying digital skills needs using the Digital Workforce Capability and vocational education and training (VET) framework currently in development (along with other digital capability frameworks). This will need to include development of specific digital skills related to: (1) development of digital forest operational maps; (2) development of cutting instructions files for forestry harvesters; (3) management and analysis of harvesting optimisation data; and (4) collection of forestry data using uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV).

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