Skilled and agile workforce

Why this matters

Queensland is experiencing one of the tightest labour markets in recent history. Businesses and employers continue to face skills and workforce shortages on land and sea.

Technology and innovation are pivotal to mitigate current workforce challenges. They will be critical in driving efficiencies and production to meet growing global food demands.

Looking ahead, jobs in agriculture, fisheries and forestry will be transformed through technologies, such as automation and augmentation. One in 3 jobs created in agriculture, forestry and fishing will be technology-related.

The outlook for tomorrow's jobs in primary industries is exciting. While there will continue to be traditional roles on land and water, there will be many jobs that are yet to be imagined.

Primary industries must invest in a talent pipeline that meets future skills and keeps pace with changing requirements, including through primary industries education in schools and universities, and training that meets the needs of the future industry.

What outcome will be achieved

Workers choose primary industries, providing a pipeline of talented workers with in-demand skills that increase sector productivity and output. Employers harness innovative and inclusive practices to meet current and emerging workforce and skills needs, supporting workers to have long-term careers in the sector.

What will success look like

The primary industries workforce is highly-skilled, with more digital and data-enabled workers. Employers are better equipped to attract and retain an agile workforce to meet future opportunities.

Opportunities

• Right people, right place, right skills: Improve workforce planning and development capability across the sector to support new and existing workers secure long-term careers and employers to harness the benefits of inclusive work practices.
• Career pathways: Partner with primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational education and industry training providers to design solutions to attract and retain a primary industries workforce of the future, with tailored options for new entrants through to seasoned professionals.
• Workforce data: Develop fit-for-purpose workforce data and processes that drive evidence-based decision making to successfully meet emerging workforce and skills needs of the sector.
• New digital and data-savvy capability: Expand the size and capability of the workforce with data, digital and AgTech skills to deliver on the innovation agenda and attract the next generation of workers. Working with education and training, universities and R&D sectors is critical.