As National Skills Week continues, new data released last week indicates a strong demand for workers in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, with more than 13,400 new industry jobs forecast between 2023 and 2028.

This projection comes at a time when TAFE NSW – Australia’s largest registered training organisation – is leading the way in green-skilling future farmers in electric vehicle (side by side) safety training, having invested in three electric vehicles. The training supplements the Farm Vehicle Safety Program (FVSP), which TAFE NSW has delivered since 2019.

The FVSP allows students aged 16 years and older to gain confidence to safely operate two-wheel motorbikes, quad bikes, farm bikes, side by side utility vehicles, and now electric vehicles on a range of terrains. Students learn practical skills on training circuits or farms to help prepare them to excel in their agricultural careers.

The inclusion of electric vehicles in TAFE NSW’s farm vehicle fleet comes at a time when some farmers are choosing electric vehicles as an energy-efficient vehicle option.

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills North Jason Darney said the electric vehicles will be deployed across a selection of TAFE NSW North Coast campuses.

“TAFE NSW welcomes electric vehicles to its farm vehicle fleet as a valuable addition. Approximately 159 students in the North region will be trained on them during 2024 to 2025. Several training programs using the vehicles have been successfully conducted over the past few months as part of our farm safety delivery option,” he said.

The FSVP has significantly grown since its inception. 300 students participated in the FVSP in the 2018-2019 financial year. 615 students have registered to participate in the program during the current financial year. 

The FVSP is delivered by TAFE NSW in the North, South, and West regions and participating students receive a Statement of Attainment to recognise the farm vehicle skillset they obtain through the program.

Running from 19 to 25 August 2024 and in its 14th year, National Skills Week raises the profile and status of vocational learning in providing attractive career opportunities. With the average Australian changing employers every 3.3 years and the jobs market rapidly evolving, the week is key in educating people of all ages about how vocational education and training can empower them to pursue exciting career pathways.

Importantly, these job choices can help plug significant skills gaps experienced by many Australian industries, helping strengthen our communities and economy.

TAFE NSW Farm Vehicle Safety Program participants can achieve one or more of Statement of Attainments in the North, South and West regions.

TAFE NSW - North Region

Statement of Attainment in Quad Bike Operation

Statement of Attainment in Side by Side Operation

Statement of Attainment in Quad and Side by Side Vehicle Operation

TAFE NSW - South Region

Statement of Attainment in Operate Two Wheel Motorbikes

Statement of Attainment in Quad Bike Operation

Statement of Attainment in Side by Side Operation

Statement of Attainment in Quad and Two Wheel Motor Bike Operation

Statement of Attainment in Operate Two Wheel Motorbikes and Side by Side Utility Vehicles

Statement of Attainment in Quad and Side by Side Vehicle Operation

Statement of Attainment in Farm Bikes and Utility Vehicles

TAFE NSW - West Region

Statement of Attainment in Operate Two Wheel Motorbikes

Statement of Attainment in Quad Bike Operation

Statement of Attainment in Side by Side Operation

Statement of Attainment in Quad and Two Wheel Motor Bike Operation

Statement of Attainment in Operate Two Wheel Motorbikes and Side by Side Utility Vehicles

Statement of Attainment in Quad and Side by Side Vehicle Operation

Statement of Attainment in Farm Bikes and Utility Vehicles

*Employment Projections | Jobs and Skills Australia

Media contact: Karen Farrell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, karen.farrell17@tafensw.edu.au, 0425 275 611.