Dairy farmers in the region are set to receive a well-earned helping hand as the result of a collaboration between TAFE NSW and Bega Cheese.
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A Statement of Attainment in Relief Milking short course is being offered in semester one at TAFE NSW Bega. The aim is to teach job-ready skills in dairy operation to provide more employees for the sector.
Australia is the fourth largest exporter of dairy products globally. Dairy is vital to the Bega Valley, South Coast and Far South Coast, not just for employment but for its contribution to national milk production levels.
TAFE NSW Animal Science and Agriculture head teacher Jennifer O’Donnell said the short course had a proven track record.
“There are people who completed this nine-day-course years ago and are still working in the industry,” Ms O’Donnell said.
“You can enrol now to start the course on February 15 and could potentially have a job in the local dairy industry by the end of the month.”
Bega Cheese and TAFE NSW work to connect participants with farmers who need more employees.
Brogo dairy farmer Jessica Pearce works on one of the region’s larger farms, Sunnyside, milking 300 head.
Last year she graduated with a Certificate III in Agriculture and is looking forward to continuing in a Certificate IV in Agriculture at TAFE NSW Bega.
“I love being a dairy farmer. I enjoy being outdoors, like the flexibility and love learning,” Ms Pearce said.
Sunnyside is a family-owned farm and while she enjoys the variety, she is very aware of how important it is for the local dairy industry to increase its workforce.
“There is always a need for more people to work on local farms. Finding the time to take a break is one of the hard parts of this industry.”
In the past the Relief Milking short course had been popular with a mix of people, from the long-term unemployed and school leavers, through to those looking for a couple of hours work a week to help local farmers.
Participants will be taught skills in safety, milking management, quad bike operation and electric fencing.
The course involves a classroom session in the mornings and then out on farms for hands-on experience each afternoon. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or 131 601.
