Building the chicken meat workforce, traineeship program

With the average Australian now consuming 1 kg of chicken every week, the new AgriFutures Cultivate Traineeship Program aims to build the poultry workforce to help meet this demand.

AgriFutures has partnered with the chicken meat industry to launch this 12-month traineeship  for people seeking an early career opportunity in this sector.

As well as achieving a Cert III in Poultry Production, successful participants will secure a full-time role in the industry, engage in professional development and mentoring and complete the program alongside a network of peers.

Executive General Operations Manager at Inghams Susy Klein said the company was proud to back the initiative.

“There are diverse career options in the chicken meat industry as it has a vastly different structure compared to other agricultural industries.

“Chicken companies directly provide farmers with one-day-old chicks, feed, veterinary expertise and farm management support, which creates an industry rich in opportunities to progress,” Klein said.

John Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, said the Cultivate Program is a unique pathway into the agricultural workforce that aims to catch the attention of those who may not have considered a career in the chicken meat industry before.

“With a new focus on strengthening the agricultural workforce, at AgriFutures we recognise that young people have a key part to play as future workers and leaders of the agricultural industry. We need to support them, listen to them and invest in their development,” Harvey said.

Katherine Balding, Baiada Poultry General Manager, Technical, Nutrition and Feedmilling, said, “I know a number of professionals in the chicken meat industry who began their career in a hands-on role on-farm and have progressed to supervisors and management at some of Australia’s largest food production companies.”

ACMF CEO Dr Mary Wu said this provides an entry platform for people to explore all the roles the industry has to offer while attaining a formal qualification and full-time job.

The program aims to highlight the chicken industry as one that holds a lot of potential for young people. Applications are open to people looking for an early career opportunity and no prior experience is required.

AgriFutures Australia will be hosting a live Q&A session on Monday, 16 October 2023. For more information, visit https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/cultivate/.

Image credit: iStock.com/nicexray