The Hume Workforce Development Committee Hume Regional Development Australia Agriculture Labour Market Snapshot Workforce Planning Australia March 2012 Workforce Planning Australia - www.workforceplanning.com.au
Agriculture Industry The Agriculture Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry consists of multiple sectors: Livestock Farming Fruit, Tree & Nut Growing Forestry & Logging Dairy Cattle Farming Poultry Farming Sheep, Beef, Grain Farming Hunting, Trapping Mushroom, Vegetable Growing Nursery, Horticulture Production Crop Growing Agriculture Nursery, Horticulture Production Deer Farming Agriculture & Fishing Services Fishing Forestry Support Services Aquaculture 2
National Industry Overview
Industry Employment Employment in the Australian Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry is 329,914 people or 3% of the total labour force. Industry Employment Level February 2012 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, February 2012 data. 4
Employment Growth Over the past five years, employment in the industry has decreased at a rate of 1.5% per annum. Source: ABS Labour Force Survey cat. no. 6291.0.55.003 (DEEWR trend data) 5
Employment Growth by State Over the next 5 years all states excluding South Australia and Northern Territory will experience negative employment growth. Over the next 10 years it is forecasted that Agricultural employment will decline in all States. 6
Employment by Industry Sector Sheep, Beef and Grain Farming is the largest sector of employment in the Agriculture industry. 7 Source: Employment Level by Industry Sector (DEEWR Trend Data based on ABS Labour Force, Australia, Cat no: 6291.0.55.003 February 2011)
Employment Growth by Sector The decline in Agriculture employment has been most significant in the following industry sectors: Fruit & Tree Nut Growing Nursery, Floriculture Production Other Crop Growing Some sectors have remained stable (Hunting & Trapping, Deer Farming) while others have shown small growth in employment. These include: Sheep, Beef, Grain Farming Fishing Aqualculture Source: ABS Labour Force Survey cat. no. 6291.0.55.003 (DEEWR trend data) 8
Projected Employment Growth by Sector Projected employment growth in the Agriculture industry is 1.4% over the period to 2015-16. Strongest employment gains are expected in the following sectors: Dairy Cattle Farming Other Livestock Farming Forestry Support Services Sheep, Beef, Grain Farming Negative employment growth is forecast in four sectors: Mushroom, Vegetable Growing Hunting and Trapping Fruit & Tree Nut Growing Deer Farming Source: ABS Labour Force Survey cat. no. 6291.0.55.003 (DEEWR trend data) 9
Main employing occupations The table below provides an overview of the main employing occupations in the Agriculture industry: Occupation Employment (2011-12) Livestock Farmers 79.7 Crop Farmers 42.5 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmers 33.4 Livestock Farm Workers 28.3 Crop Farm Workers 22.9 Agricultural, Forestry & Horticultural Operators 12.8 Bookkeepers 8.2 Packers 5.7 Garden and Nursery Labourers 5.2 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Workers 4.9 10 Source: DEEWR Special Order based on ABS Labour Force, Australia, Cat no: 6291.0.55.003 Calendar Year Average 2011.
National skills in demand There is a national shortage of Agricultural scientists / consultants. Employers experienced difficulties in recruiting agricultural technicians. Occupation Agricultural Scientist/Consultant Agricultural Technician Accountant Shearer Arborist Landscape Gardener Nurseryperson Skills Status Shortage Recruitment difficulty No shortage No shortage No shortage No shortage No shortage Source: DEEWR Special Order based on ABS Labour Force, Australia, Cat no: 6291.0.55.003 Calendar Year Average 2011. 11
Workforce Development Challenges There are several workforce development challenges facing the Agriculture Industry. 3. Adoption of higher level skills across the workforce 2. Attraction of workers 4. Adoption and diffusion of new research findings, innovative practice & technology 1. Employer culture, regional & industry leadership Agriculture 5. Workforce retention and effective skills utilisation Source: Agriculture Industry Skills Council, Environmental Scan 2011 12
Workforce Development Strategies 1. Employer culture, regional & industry leadership Build employer capabilities in job design, effective work organisation, the notion of employer of choice and high performing workplaces Build sustainable, grass roots, regionally based skills eco-systems Grow industry peaks voice and coordinated action on skills & workforce development Identify and promote industry champions, experts and intermediaries 2. Attraction of workers Promote contemporary, science and technology focused industry image Build attractive pathways into industry through national school curriculum, VET in schools and establishment of cadetships Build clear, valued pathways into sustainable agriculture job roles for Aboriginal people 3. Adoption of higher level skills across the workforce Diffuse higher level skills and knowledge across the industry through client centred, building blocks approach to delivery Increase language, literacy and numeracy, digital literacy, and core skills of the existing workforce 13
Workforce Development Strategies 4. Adoption and diffusion of new research findings, innovative practice & technology Drive greater adoption of CRC and RDC outputs through VET partnerships and extension initiatives Continuously improve nationally endorsed qualifications, skill sets and units of competency to reflect latest skills and knowledge Formalise articulation arrangements between vocational and higher education sectors 5. Workforce retention and effective skills utilisation Drive widespread, formal recognition of workers existing skills Increase and promote skill based pathways within and across sectors Establish comprehensive demographic and occupational skills profile of existing workforce 14
Hume region
Agriculture in Hume Many of Victoria s major rivers are located in the Hume region and the availability of water close to its source is a major economic driver for the region. With access to water from river systems and valuable groundwater resources, the Hume Region supports a large number of irrigation-based industries of national significance such as dairy, horticulture and viticulture, while also supporting large areas of dryland farming. The region contributes to over 25% of milk production and 35% of fruit and vegetables grown in Australia. The Murray Darling Basin Authority is currently in the process of establishing new limits (sustainable diversion limits) on the volume of water use. The impact of limits on the Hume region and agricultural sector should be assessed as part of any workforce planning efforts for implications on industry and occupational growth / decline. The region also has a number of specialist abattoirs including JBS Swift, Gathercoles and Norvic Foods which process cattle, sheep, goat and deer meats. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the gross value of agricultural and horticultural production in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) is around $2.2 billion and accounts for 25% of the value of Victoria s agricultural production. Source: Hume Strategy for Sustainable Communities 2010-2012, Skills Vic 2010 16
Employment in Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing by LGA 2006 Census vs. 2011 Census data Total Industry 10,615 (2006) TBC (2012) Moira 2286(2006) TBC (2011) G Shepparton 2421 (2006) TBC (2011) Benalla 586(2006) TBC (2011) Indigo 612 (2006) TBC (2011) Wodonga 122 (2006) TBC (2011) Towong 648 (2006) TBC (2011) Strathbogie 852 (2006) TBC (2011) Wangaratta 1034 (2006) TBC (2011) Mitchell 476 (2006) TBC (2011) Murrindindi 703 (2006) TBC (2011) Mansfield 319 (2006) TBC (2011) Alpine 556 (2006) TBC (2011) Hume Region Boundary Sub-region Boundary Local Government Area (LGA) Boundary 17
Employment growth projections in Hume According to Monash projections employment is expected to grow and level out over the period to 2016. Average annual growth rate is calculated at 3%. 20.5 Total Agriculture Employment Hume 20 19.5 19 18.5 18 17.5 Total Agriculture Employment Hume 17 16.5 16 2010-1 2011-2 2012-3 2013-4 2014-5 2015-6 Usage is restricted to the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development and third parties undertaking work on behalf of Skills Victoria. Source: Monash Centre of Policy Studies, 2011 18
Occupations The top employing occupations in the region are as follows: Agriculture (Top 10 occupations by employment level Hume) ANZOG Occupation Employment (2011-12) ( 000 persons) 1213 Livestock Farmers 9.9157 8415 Livestock Farm Workers 1.7414 1212 Crop Farmers 1.70202 8412 Crop Farm Workers 1.53944 1214 Mixed Crop/Livestock Farmers 0.71952 7211 Agri Fstry & Hort.l Plnt Ops 0.16524 8416 Mixed Crop/Livestock Farmers 0.175 3612 Shearers 0.1707 8414 Garden & Nursery Labourers 0.16954 3622 Gardeners 0.12852 Usage is restricted to the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development and third parties undertaking work on behalf of Skills Victoria. Source: Monash Centre of Policy Studies, 2011 19
Education
Occupation growth Monash projections show variability in the top employing occupations growth over the period to 2016-17. The most significant occupation (Livestock Farmers) will experience a decline. Agriculture Occupation Growth Hume (2011-2017) Gardeners Garden & Nursery Labourers Shearers Mixed Crop/Livestock Farmers Agri Fstry & Hort.l Plnt Ops Mixed Crop/Livestock Farmers Crop Farm Workers 2011-2 2016-7 Crop Farmers Livestock Farm Workers Livestock Farmers 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Usage is restricted to the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development and third parties undertaking work on behalf of Skills Victoria. Source: Monash Centre of Policy Studies, 2011 21
Industry Education attainment levels VET education enrolment data shows an increase in course enrolments for the industry. Growth is being driven by the Cert IV, III, II level qualifications Diploma Certificate IV Certificate III Certificate II 2008 2011 Certificate I Advanced Diploma 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 22
Age profile of enrolments Across all industry occupations growth in VET course enrolments has been spread broadly across age groups. The largest proportion of enrolments comes from the 15-19 year old age group. 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 2008 2011 150 100 50 0 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 59 60 to 64 65 and over Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 23
Diversity of Enrolments The diversity of enrolments has increased in the industry in Hume. The strongest growth can be seen in the proportion of CALD enrolments. Disabled enrolments have declined. 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2008 2011 2% 1% 0% Disabled Indigenous CALD Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 24
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Occupational VET Education Data (Hume) Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Worker Shearer Gardener (General) Workforce Planning Australia - www.workforceplanning.com.au
Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Worker
Mixed Crop & Livestock Farm Worker VET Course Enrolments Enrolments in VET courses have increased in Hume from 2008-2011. Growth is being driven by the Cert III and II level qualifications. Certificate III in Rural Operations Certificate III in Rural Business Certificate III in Agriculture Certificate II in Rural Operations 2008 2011 Certificate II in Agriculture Certificate I in Rural Operations 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 27
Mixed Crop & Livestock Worker Age Profile of VET Enrolments The age profile of Mixed Crop & Livestock Farm Workers enrolled in VET courses has remained consistent to the increase in total enrolment numbers for the period. The largest proportion of enrolments comes from the 15-19 year old age group. 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 2008 2011 60 40 20 0 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 59 60 and Over Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 28
Diversity of Mixed Crop & Livestock Farm Worker VET Enrolments There has been an increase in indigenous and CALD enrolments over the period 2008-2011. Disabled enrolments have declined. 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2008 2011 2% 1% 0% Disabled Indigenous CALD Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 29
Shearer
Shearer VET Course Enrolments Shearer enrolments in VET courses have decreased in Hume from 2008-2011. Note: There is only one course of relevance to the shearing occupation. Certificate III in Shearing 2008 2011 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 31
Shearer Age Profile of VET Enrolments Despite a decline in enrolments, the age profile of Shearers enrolled in VET courses has shown an increase in youth age groups aged 15-19 and 20-24 years. 7 6 5 4 3 2008 2011 2 1 0 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 32
Diversity of Shearer VET Enrolments There has not been any diversity of enrolments for shearers over the period from 2008-2011. 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 2008 2011 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Disabled Indigenous CALD Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 33
Gardener (General)
Gardener (General) VET Course Enrolments Gardener enrolments in VET courses have declined in Hume from 2008-2011. The Cert IV course in Agriculture has seen the greatest decline. Diploma of Rural Business Management Diploma of Agriculture Certificate IV in Rural Business Certificate IV in Agriculture 2008 2011 Advanced Diploma of Rural Business Management Advanced Diploma of Agriculture 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 35
Gardener (General) Age Profile of VET Enrolments The age profile of Gardeners enrolled in VET courses has generally remained consistent to the increase in total enrolment numbers for the period. There has been a significant increase in enrolments from those aged 65 and over. 30 25 20 15 10 2008 2011 5 0 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 59 60 & Over 60 to 64 65 and over Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 36
Diversity of Gardener VET Enrolments There has been an increase in Disabled and CALD enrolments over the period 2008-2011. Indigenous enrolments have declined. 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 2008 2011 4% 2% 0% Disabled Indigenous CALD Source: Data prepared 9 March 2012, Market Analysis team, Skills Victoria. 37
Findings
Findings and Workforce Planning Considerations 1. Employment in the Australian Agriculture industry is expected to grow at a rate of 1.8% p.a. over the next 5 years. The Agriculture industry in Hume is forecast to exceed this rate with an average annual growth forecast at 3% p.a. I. What are the factors driving growth? II. Growth is not evident in the largest employing occupations. What other occupations not included as part of this analysis are driving growth? 2. Livestock Farmer is the largest occupation in the Agriculture Industry in Hume. This occupation is forecast to decline over the period to 2016. I. Are employees in the occupation aware of the expected decline? II. III. Are there currently strategies in place to redeploy these workers to other occupations experiencing growth? i.e. Gardeners.? Why is there an increase in Agriculture VET Cert II and III courses? 3. Industry enrolments in VET courses have increased. I. Are course enrolments in alignment with industry sectors / occupations experiencing growth? 4. There has been an increase in the proportion of CALD students enrolling in VET courses. I. What is driving the increase in enrolments from CALD students? II. Why have Disabled and Indigenous enrolments generally remained stable? 39