getting a job in the industry
The Australian Agricultural Industry offers thousands of job opportunities, ranging from roles that require years of training to those that you can start with little to no experience, though you'll need to pick up various skills along the way. Landing a job without prior experience can be the toughest challenge, but we're here to guide you in the right direction to secure job positions.
Handy Skills or Certificates to have
These are base level skills you can do to help land a job
- Try some of our Online Courses
Our courses are designed for individuals new to the industry, providing practical and efficient information to help you get started.
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- Obtain a Manuals Drivers License
A lot of farm vehicles are manual, having this skill and license is important.
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- Towing and Backing Trailers
Asking a friend or family member to teach you, even in a paddock, practice makes perfect.
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- Chemical Certificate
Learn how to handle Chemicals safety. You can find Chem Certs on the Agriculture Jobs Auswide education section.
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- Study Agriculture
Agriculture Studies at school or via TAFE are beneficial. Some states offer Free Agriculture Studies.
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- Truck License
Even a MR/HR license can be a huge benefit to employers. Never driven a truck before? They teach you when you go for your license.
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- Motorbike/Quad Riding Experience
This is hugely beneficial to most on farm/station jobs, riding bikes is normally a daily activity in industries like Sheep, Beef and Dairy.
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- Horse Riding and Handling skills
Riding and Horse training/care are great skills to have if you want to work on a farm or station that uses horses.
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- Firearms License
Some farms/stations like their workers having a firearm license and knowledge in case hunting, animal control or euthanasia need to be carried out.
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- Mechanic Knowledge
Even basic mechanical knowledge is a good skill to have, whether on cars, small motors, trucks etc.
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- Welding and Fabrication
Being able to fix yards, crates, build new infrastructures etc are extremely beneficial for employers.
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Developing your Resume and CV
It's crucial that your resume and CV are both relevant and professional to ensure you stand out as a strong candidate. Crafting a resume that effectively highlights your skills in agriculture can be challenging, especially when you're new to the industry. MAKE SURE YOU ADJUST YOUR CV AND RESUME TO INDIVIDUAL JOBS, this is an easy way to stand out as a candidate!
Resume Example
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Below are some mock resumes you can download, simply update the information to match your skills and details. Please click on the below text to open example resumes.
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Resume Example 1 | Resume Example 2 | Resume Example 3
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CV Example
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Your CV should give the employer a rough overview of your key strengths, career goals, what you bring to the role and your availability. Tailor this to each job you apply for.
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Example:
Dear 'Name of Employer'
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I am writing to express my interest in the Dairy Farm Hand position currently advertised on the AJA website.
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While I am new to the agricultural industry, I believe my current skills and strong work ethic would allow me to contribute effectively in this role. I am accustomed to waking up early, possess excellent teamwork skills and have a genuine passion for the agricultural sector.
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Although my long-term career path in the industry is still to be determined, I am eager to explore different opportunities and contribute to the growth of the industry in the future.
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I am available to start at any time, with a notice period of two weeks to provide to my current employer.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.
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Kind regards,
John Smith
Where to look for work
Finding a job is the next step! Don't be discouraged if it takes some time to land a job, there are lots of people trying to get their first job. We recommend to apply for any job that fits your requirements even if its not your ideal sub industry, it may not be your dream job but any Ag job is your step into the industry.
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Find jobs at Agriculture Jobs Auswide
www.AgricultureJobsAuswide.com
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AJA is a job board that is made up of dozens of recruitment agencies, pastoral companies, companies and family run properties all in one place. There is a 'First Years Opportunities' category on the AJA website dedicated to helping first-year job seekers find roles that employers are eager to offer to newcomers.
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If eligible we recommend to apply for the Ag Career Start program which helps match successful candidates with jobs around Australia.
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Aged between 17-25? Try Ag Career Start
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Make sure you research where you plan to work and always stay safe, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe don't feel like you need to stay. Your safety is the number one priority!
Finding Educational Services and Programs
Up-skilling your knowledge and education when starting out or actively in the Industry is important. Finding education services or programs can be difficult. We recommend looking on the 'Events and Education' section on the Agriculture Jobs Auswide website.
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Find Events and Education at Agriculture Jobs Auswide
www.AgricultureJobsAuswide.com
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If you are a female we have a Facebook group that helps support woman in Australia's Ag Industry, there are plenty of webinars, traineeships, programs and education days shared on the group.
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Facebook group 'Females in Agriculture Australia'
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What jobs are good for First Years?
Understanding an Industry can be tough for someone new, understanding what jobs are suitable for a first year can also be difficult. Below are a list of jobs that are commonly first year friendly!
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- Station Cook: Cooking for Workers
- Governess: Child Care/Education
- Farm Hand: Farm Work
- First Year Station Hand: Station Work
- Weigh Bridge Operator: Organising Grain Trucks
- Fencing: Fixing and Building Fences
- Rousty: Handling Wool
- Lamb Marking: Handling Lambs
- Haul Out: Moving Harvested Crops
- Dairy Farm Hand: Milking Cows
- Chaser Bin Operator: Driving Tractors
- Grain Tester: Testing Grain from Trucks
- Feedlot: Intense Beef Farming
- Laborer: Processing
- Grain Receival: Grain Handling
- Poultry Worker: Working with Chickens
- Cotton Irrigation: Water Management
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