AgForce training manager Wendy Allen said the first indigenous trainees would take on the challenge of a Certificate II in Agriculture (Beef Production) this week in a program to develop the skills of rural youth and better equip them to enter the workforce.

“AgForce is proud to be the registered training organisation for this initiative to provide skills, experience and support to the indigenous community and open up long-term employment opportunities for youth in outlying areas,” she said.

“As the voice for Queensland’s broadacre producers, AgForce leads the way in promoting rural careers to young people in urban and regional areas to ensure the future of agricultural and agribusiness industries.”

Integral to the program are AgForce members and Cape beef producers Damien Curr and his wife Bridget, who started training indigenous youth at their Lakeland property Springvale in March 2009.

“By partnering with Damien and Bridget, AgForce is playing a crucial role in encouraging and equipping a new generation of rural workers who can contribute not only to remote communities, but to the wider beef industry,” Wendy said.

The indigenous training program on Springvale, known as Outstation North, is home to facilities and opportunities to mix hands-on work, individual guidance and mentoring of the trainees.

Since the first intake of trainees 18 months ago, Damien and Bridget have placed more than 50 trainees into jobs in rural industries across Queensland.

“The positive and enthusiastic feedback from employees and Community Elders are proof that Outstation North is heading in the right direction,” Damien said.

The Certificate II training program has been endorsed nationally, with Cattle Council of Australia president and fellow North Queensland beef producer Greg Brown congratulating the initiative.

“The indigenous stockman has traditionally played a major part in the development and sustainability of the cattle industry, but in the last few decades the number of young men entering the industry has declined markedly,” Mr Brown said. “This has lead to difficulty in property owners finding sufficient skilled workers who are willing to live and work in remote areas.

“I believe this training opportunity will impact this generation of young people and bear fruit in the generations to come.”