The Andrews Labor Government is backing an East Gippsland project to support young people in the Agri-food sector through the Regional Skills Fund.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford today announced $190,000 for the East Gippsland Food Cluster towards Gippsland Industry Projects and Pathways for Youth in the Agri-food sector.
The project, known as GIPPY Ag, will promote career pathways – attracting young people in Gippsland to the agri-food sector and supporting improved workforce planning for the future.
The project will:
- provide training and resources for teachers to educate their students about the agri-food industry
- deliver a series of workforce planning workshops for 15 agri-food businesses (via a registered training organisation) to strengthen their workforce planning capability skills
- provide 170 tertiary, secondary and primary students with exposure to opportunities in the agri-food industry via the promotion of study opportunities and work placements.
GIPPY Ag will include a steering committee and program coordinator, as well as an industry liaison officer to support new education-to-industry relationships
East Gippsland Food Cluster will lead and manage the project, provide an important interface to the agri-food sector – which is Gippsland’s largest, representing $7 billion of Gippsland’s $15.8 billion gross regional product.
The Government’s Regionals Skills Fund supports partnerships between industry, business and community to help regional Victoria optimise its full economic and social potential.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“We’re proud to play our part in growing and getting more young people involved in the agri-food sector –Gippsland’s largest industry.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“The support from the Regional Skills Fund will provide 170 tertiary, secondary and primary level students with exposure to opportunities in the agri-food industry, which is great for the students and for Gippsland.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“This is fantastic news for our young people in East Gippsland wanting to get a foot in the door in the agri-food sector – connecting them to the career growth opportunities they deserve.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020