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Non-Technical Skills Needed for the Current and Next-Generation Agricultural Workforce

Author

Listed:
  • Nicole McDonald

    (Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

  • Jennifer Luke

    (Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

  • Amy Cosby

    (Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia)

Abstract

This study highlights the need to recognize and train agricultural workers in essential non-technical skills to enhance workforce effectiveness and sustainability within the agriculture sector. Focused on the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, the research involved initial semi-structured interviews with three agricultural training managers to identify relevant non-technical skills for food and fibre workplaces. Representatives from twenty Gippsland food and fibre businesses were then surveyed to rate these identified skills across different workforce segments: (a) seasonal workers, (b) entry-level workers, (c) supervisors, and (d) managers. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the responses. Employer ratings for skill needs were weighted against the number of workers employed in each workforce segment. Key non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural competence were found to be in high demand, particularly among seasonal and entry-level workers. However, there is a significant gap between the importance of these skills and their prioritization in accredited training programs. Addressing this gap is crucial for investing in a skilled and adaptable agricultural sector that is competitive and sustainable. The theoretical understandings derived from this study’s results warrant further research and replication in diverse commodity sectors and locations within Australia and internationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole McDonald & Jennifer Luke & Amy Cosby, 2024. "Non-Technical Skills Needed for the Current and Next-Generation Agricultural Workforce," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-11, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:7:p:1106-:d:1431681
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felipe Barrera-Osorio & Adriana Kugler & Mikko Silliman, 2023. "Hard and Soft Skills in Vocational Training: Experimental Evidence from Colombia," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 37(3), pages 409-436.
    2. Jiri Hejkrlik & Petra Chaloupkova & Tetyana Sokolska, 2023. "The role of transformational leadership and leaders’ skills for new agricultural cooperatives in post‐soviet countries," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 94(1), pages 109-129, March.
    3. Suzanna Russell & Vincent Kelly & Remco Polman & Matthew Warren-James, 2023. "The Effectiveness of Online Mental Health First Aid Training in Community Rugby: A Mixed-Methods Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Sam Erevbenagie Usadolo, 2020. "The Influence of Participative Leadership on Agricultural Extension Officers’ Engagement," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(3), pages 21582440209, August.
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