Addressing agriculture's skill shortages

摘要

In this 'information age', there appears to be little or no value being placed on choosing a career pathway in primary industries. This 'turn-off' is affecting the perceptions of young people, and the general public, about careers in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture, and is having a major impact upon skill shortages in the industry. When considering a career, people often ask themselves questions like - Do I want more than a job? Do I want a career that can take me places? How about greatjob prospects as well? The fact is, these questions can all be answered with a resounding "yes" through a career in primary industry. Agriculture and natural resource management are booming industries though certain myths have arisen in the minds of thepeople. Many believe that agriculture is no longer important in the Australian economy. Wrong! Mining may now exceed agriculture, but (in all its facets) the gross value of agricultural production in current prices was 29 billion dollar, and that figureis climbing.