The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to supporting our future agricultural industries, and the importance of our investment was highlighted today at the Tasmanian Agriculture Education and Training for the Future Forum.
Organised by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture in collaboration with the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group and the Department of Education, the Forum brought together key figures in Launceston to discuss education and training needs of Tasmanian agriculture.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Guy Barnett said that the Government has a long-term plan to sustainably grow the value of the State’s agriculture sector to $10 billion by 2050, and we are partnering with industry and education providers to invest in education and training, and support growth and development of Tasmania’s agricultural industry.
“There are fantastic careers in Tasmanian agriculture and today’s discussions will help ensure that the opportunities provided to students will be integrated with the current and future needs of the industry.” Minister Barnett said.
TIA, TasTAFE and the University of Tasmania continues to attract students into agriculture, and have taken significant steps to promote opportunities and encourage students to enrol in agricultural courses and training.
Minister for Education and Skills, Training and Workforce Growth, Sarah Courtney, said exploring where connections and collaboration can be made across the education and training system will further assist in providing different pathways for students to move through education and choose a career in agriculture.
“We know the value of VET to Tasmania was highlighted by its prominence in the recommendations from the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council (PESRAC) Report which we are supporting with strategies to increase the number of opportunities for work placements for VET students to allow them to develop authentic skills and knowledge in a real-world context.
“The Tasmanian Government’s Primary Schools to Primary Industries Initiative (PS2PI), has also returned agriculture to the school curriculum, providing learners with a foundation in the skills and understandings required for a career in agriculture,’’ Minister Courtney said.
The Tasmanian Government is the strongest supporter of both our education and agriculture sectors and forums, like today’s event, will help support a prosperous, innovative and sustainable Tasmanian agri-food sector.