Fed: Mining, farming sectors pooling resources to train workers

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2009
Fed: Mining, farming sectors pooling resources to train workers

CANBERRA, Aug 3 AAP - School leavers and indigenous Australians are being targeted
for skills-based training in the farming and mining sectors to overcome workforce shortages.

Both industries have joined forces to work together to recruit more workers into their
sectors, following the release of a report from a two-year joint project between the National
Farmers Federation (NFF), the Minerals Council of Australia and the federal government.

The report from the Australian Regional Agriculture and Mining Skills (ARAMS) Project
has supported both sectors working together to boost the availability of skilled workers
in both sectors.

Both organisations also support the recommendation that potential employees, particularly
those under-represented in the rural jobs market including school leavers and indigenous
people.

"The point is to make those people job ready and give them the ability to swap between
the two sectors as opportunities and needs arise," NFF CEO Ben Fargher said in a statement.

The industry-backed program provides sustainability for regional communities, Minerals
Council CEO Mitch Hooke said.

AAP srj/sb/jfm

KEYWORD: RURAL TRAINING

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