The Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub was switched live last week, with a focus on stimulating and supporting our local agricultural industry sector now, and into the future.
The virtual portal is intended for agricultural technology developers and users to access learning products to advance agricultural technology skills.
The Hub is jointly funded by the Australian Government (under the Regional Recovery Partnerships), Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW).
The Hub is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government under the VET Emerging Industries initiative, TAFE Queensland, and CQUniversity Australia – offering over micro-credentials, accredited skillsets and a nationally recognised Certificate II qualification in autonomous agriculture equipment use.
RDA GW CEO Robert Cocco said that the Hub is a “local portal to connect people with agricultural skills, knowledge and information from across Australia, based on regional needs”.
"This project has showcased the benefits of when you enhance people’s ability to utilise technology in the workplace,” Mr Cocco said.
“Instead of fearing technology, the skills learned highlight how technology and its use can not only increase workplace productivity but at the same time make work more interesting, enjoyable, and rewarding."
Executive Director Education and Training, for TAFE Queensland (South West region) Tom Rowe said that the Hub “gives us an opportunity to work with industry and employers to deliver a range of flexible skilling solutions to ensure employment outcomes for aquaculture and agriculture jobs of the future”.
To further supplement agricultural technology skill advancement, TAFE Queensland have also created enhanced learning environments where students can effectively learn remotely, while using technology to participate in a simulated learning space for better engagement and retention.
For more information, visit the Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub at https://tafeqld.edu.au/agtech-skills-hub.
Robert Cocco, RDA GW Chief Executive Officer