AgCAREERSTART Welcomes Dozens of Young Australians to On-Farm Careers
By Ian Rogers
The National Farmers’ Federation’s flagship gap-year program, AgCAREERSTART, is back for another year, with dozens of young Australians beginning their agricultural careers this week.
The program connects 17- to 25-year-olds with farmers across Australia, providing participants with job placements, pastoral support, training grants, and opportunities to build networks within the industry. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, AgCAREERSTART is now in its fourth year and has become a vital pathway into the agricultural sector.
O-Week Prepares Participants for Farm Life
This year’s program began with an action-packed Orientation Week (O-Week) in Ballarat, Victoria, where 54 participants visited farms, underwent training, and connected with program alumni. The event serves as an essential stepping stone for participants, many of whom are stepping into rural life for the first time.
One of the participants, 19-year-old Morgan Carroll-Keays, is moving from Victoria to a beef cattle operation near Stanley, Tasmania. Morgan sees the program as an ideal way to kickstart his career in agriculture.
“Having the $4,500 bursary makes it so much easier. We can upskill across the industry, even beyond our placement’s focus, which helps set us up for the future,” he said.
Morgan added that O-Week gave him the confidence and preparedness for his new role. “I’m looking forward to just getting involved, giving it a crack, and getting my hands dirty.”
A Growing Program with Strong Retention Rates
In 2025, approximately 70 young Australians are expected to join the program, bringing the total number of participants since AgCAREERSTART’s inception to nearly 250. With a retention rate of 83% of graduates remaining in agriculture post-program, the initiative is proving successful in attracting and retaining fresh talent in the sector.
AgCAREERSTART Project Manager, Kayla Evans, highlighted the importance of O-Week in helping participants transition to rural life.
“For many, this is their first full-time job, first time living away from home, and first time without their usual support network,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see 54 fresh and nervous faces arrive, and just days later, leave with new friends, excitement for the year ahead, and a readiness to get started on the farm.”
Building the Future of Agriculture
AgCAREERSTART continues to attract a diverse range of young Australians to the agriculture industry, offering participants hands-on experience, industry connections, and a launchpad for long-term careers.
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