SADA Encourages Dairy Farmer Participation in Agricultural Trade Apprenticeship Consultation
This proposed apprenticeship has the potential to significantly shape the future dairy workforce. It could influence how dairy skills are recognised, how career pathways are developed, and, over time, how classifications and pay rates align with other recognised trade apprenticeships such as plumbing and electrical. It is therefore critical that the qualification reflects the practical realities of modern dairy farming.
The current draft has improved following earlier consultation; however, several important questions still require direct input from dairy farmers, including:
- Does the qualification produce graduates who are genuinely ready to take on management responsibilities?
- Should graduates be considered competent to work across all dairy production systems throughout Australia?
- Who should be eligible to commence the apprenticeship? Should it be open to school leavers, existing employees, or only those with previous industry experience? What prerequisites should apply?
This is an ambitious qualification for a three-year apprenticeship. If developed well, it has the potential to strengthen career pathways and help address the dairy industry's long-term workforce challenges. Your feedback will help ensure the final qualification is practical, relevant and valuable for dairy businesses.
Agricultural Trade Qualification Broad Consultation - Dairy focus
The Agriculture Trade Qualification Project is developing a new, nationally recognised Agricultural Trade Qualification to provide clearer pathways into the agriculture industry and strengthen recognition of skills across Australia. Register for the consultation
Dairy Production Specialisation The following document explains the required units a student must complete in order to be awarded the Certificate III in Agricultural Production (Dairy Production). Noting this is based off the units and packaging rules in the draft qualification. View the current draft Dairy Production qualification
The consultation forms part of broader work being undertaken by the National Farmers' Federation to explore a new agricultural trade apprenticeship that will better promote careers in agriculture while supporting the recruitment and retention of the industry's future workforce. Take the Survey