Skilled and agile workforce

Why this matters

Queensland is experiencing one of the tightest labour markets in recent history. Businesses and employers continue to face skills and workforce shortages on land and sea.

Technology and innovation are pivotal to mitigate current workforce challenges. They will be critical in driving efficiencies and production to meet growing global food demands.

Looking ahead, jobs in agriculture, fisheries and forestry will be transformed through technologies, such as automation and augmentation. One in 3 jobs created in agriculture, forestry and fishing will be technology related.

The outlook for tomorrow's jobs in primary industries is exciting. While there will continue to be traditional roles on land and water, there will be many jobs that are yet to be imagined.

Primary industries must invest in a talent pipeline that meets future skills and keeps pace with changing requirements, including through primary industries education in schools and universities, and training that meets the needs of the future industry.

Goal

Workers choose primary industries, providing a skilled workforce which helps increase sector productivity and output.

Employers harness innovative and inclusive practices to meet current and emerging workforce and skills needs, supporting workers to have long-term careers in the sector.

Success looks like

A highly-skilled workforce with more digital and data-enabled workers. Employers are better equipped to attract and retain an agile workforce to meet future opportunities.

Initiatives

There are many opportunities to thrive across our state, regions and agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

Key initiatives to harness opportunities and drive action include:

• Attract and retain a regional workforce
• Create and sustain a pipeline of skilled staff throughout the supply chain
• Create education and training pathways to career opportunities
• Invest in people and systems that support the forestry and timber industry
• Support businesses with the skills and tools to grow