A $385,000 AgUp Grants funding grant will provide a four-year programme to upskill Australia’s fishing industry workforce through mentoring and development, including accredited education and training.
AgUP aims to support jobs and helps retain workers by building skills and establishing and improving career progression and mentoring opportunities.
The funds are being directed through Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) to help the commercial seafood industry set up a national online hub linking its workforce to employment, training and career pathways to retain workers and attract newcomers.
SIA Chief Executive Veronica Papacosta said the program is the first of its kind in the industry and a much-needed resource for future success as exports recover and new markets open.
‘The AgUp grant will allow development of a national platform to act as a one-stop-shop for workers in all sectors of the seafood industry. The platform will have a direct connection to training, mentorship, capacity building, job opportunities, and to promote workforce retention,’ she said.
‘It will also compile and promote a calendar of seasonal work opportunities around the country, to support the transition of experienced and skilled seasonal workers between seasonal work contracts in the industry.’
