Boosting AgTech Skills for the Future Workforce in Regional NSW
By Ian Rogers
High school students in regional New South Wales are gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural technology, thanks to a new government initiative aimed at strengthening the future AgTech workforce. The NSW Government is leading the charge in ensuring that the next generation of workers in agriculture are equipped with the skills necessary to tackle the challenges of modern farming, including climate change, rising costs, and the growing need for biosecurity and productivity.
As part of this initiative, up to 1,500 students are participating in programs designed to enhance their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Agriculture. The programs introduce students to the latest developments in AgTech, including the use of drone mapping, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analysis to manage and improve farming processes. The goal is to cultivate a tech-savvy workforce capable of addressing the evolving needs of the agriculture sector.
Students have the opportunity to visit research institutions run by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, where they witness AgTech innovations firsthand. Additionally, they engage in practical learning at TAFE NSW, where they design model smart farms, use drone technology to map agricultural landscapes, and analyze weather patterns using AI-driven tools. These hands-on experiences are invaluable in helping students understand how technology is transforming farming practices and how they can play a role in shaping the future of agriculture.
The program is part of the NSW Government’s Targeted Workforce Development Scheme, an initiative aimed at investing in skills and employment to future-proof the agriculture sector. By fostering a robust AgTech workforce, the government hopes to not only support farmers and agriculture workers but also develop a sustainable sector that creates and maintains the hardware and software products essential for modern farming.
Delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, the University of New England, Charles Sturt University, and AusAgritech, the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration in building a strong, innovative workforce that can adapt to the challenges ahead. As AgTech continues to evolve, programs like these ensure that regional NSW remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation, creating opportunities for both students and the wider farming community.
