SUNRAYSIA Institute of TAFE has received $1.9 million to help fund workforce programs for the booming protective cropping industry.
The Victorian Government funding will deliver a Certificate II in Protected Horticulture to cohorts in medicinal cannabis; protected horticulture, including fruit and vegetable crops; nursery; and horticulture.
Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney on Tuesday announced 13 projects approved for funding through the $15 million Agriculture TAFE and Training Fund.
It aimed to help TAFEs and learning providers to modernise training for the next generation of agricultural professionals.
The funding would also help with the embrace of emerging technologies and incorporate Aboriginal agricultural knowledge and practices.
SuniTAFE’s funding was expected to help fill the shortage of skilled workers in the Mallee.
A spokesperson for the government said the protected cropping industry was the fastest growing food sector in Australia with annual growth rates of 60 per cent over the past five years.
It said labour requirements for the industry were expanding at more than 5 per cent, with skilled workers in short supply.
The delivery will be a blended format to cater for individuals that are already working and would like to upskill.
SuniTAFE general manager of operations David Harris said securing the funding was fantastic news.
“We are extremely happy to have received the funding and the change it is going to make to the protected cropping industry,” he said.
Mr Harris said SuniTAFE would deliver high-quality training through the Certificate II in Protected Horticulture at its Smart Farm training facility.
“Training through the Certificate will help build a highly-skilled workforce that meets the needs of the protected cropping industry; and provide skills and knowledge for workers in the protected horticulture industry undertaking routine tasks such as picking, packing, crop and nursery work,” he said.
“The Certificate will be a great addition to our current courses on offer, as well as provide a pathway to further education and training.”
SuniTAFE said the development of the project was under way, with a view to take enrolments as early as 2024.
The proposed course is being developed in partnership with La Trobe University and the Cann Group.
