AgProspects
Agricultural Workforce Pathways and Engagement Suite
Pre-Employment Program
The AgProspects Pre-Employment Program is an industry-informed initiative developed in partnership with regional horticulture producers to address key workforce skill gaps and support clear employment pathways into agricultural roles.
Delivered over a 6–8 week period, the program combines structured pre-employment training with a period of on-farm work experience, giving participants practical exposure to real workplace conditions while helping employers build a pipeline of job-ready candidates.
Program design reflects the operational realities of the horticulture sector — including seasonal demand, variable workloads, and harvest timing — so participants graduate with both technical skills and an understanding of how agricultural work actually operates day to day.
The program’s success relies on strong collaboration between participants, local employment service providers, and regional employers, supported by training content that stays current and relevant to industry needs.
Detailed program documentation — including delivery schedules, training content breakdowns, host employer arrangements, and coordination procedures — is maintained separately to this overview.
Holiday Harvest Jobs Program
The Holiday Harvest Jobs Program is an initiative within the broader AgProspects workforce suite, developed in collaboration with Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG), Bundaberg Canegrowers, regional horticulture employers, and local State Schools and was launched in early 2020.
The program gives students practical experience in job applications and interviews, then connects them with genuine paid work placements created by regional employers during the school holidays. Positions are only offered where an employer has the capacity to provide meaningful work, and placement length is flexible — ranging from one week up to the full school holiday period.
Students undertaking placements are engaged under the same conditions as a regular casual employee. In some cases, employers may also provide additional on-the-job training across other areas of the farming enterprise, broadening students’ exposure to the industry.
The program aims to build an engaged, knowledgeable, and versatile future workforce for the region by giving young people an early, positive introduction to agricultural careers.
Detailed program documentation — including placement arrangements, school and employer coordination processes, and program guidelines — is maintained separately to this overview.
Accessing Program Coordination Documents
Employment service providers and other stakeholders are welcome to obtain a copy of the program’s coordination documents in order to coordinate and deliver the Holiday Harvest Jobs Program independently.
Alternatively, for stakeholders who prefer a fully supported approach, BFVG can facilitate coordination of the program on their behalf for an agreed management fee. This option may suit organisations seeking to participate without administering the day-to-day logistics of student placements, employer matching, and school liaison.
To obtain a copy of the coordination documents, or to discuss BFVG-facilitated coordination and associated fees, please contact:
Kylie Jackson
Regional Grower Services Manager
Email: qa@bfvg.com.au
Phone: 0488 533 801
Alternatively, general enquiries can be directed to BFVG at bfvg.info@bfvg.com.au.
Media Gallery
The program was excellent. Great outcomes for our customers. Amazing opportunity and supported local businesses.
Adam had a great time out at Abbotsleigh and had a wonderful time with the opportunities he got to experience in so many aspects of the industry. He has since secured a job at IGA which would prevent him taking up the Harvest Jobs program again. However, he earned enough money to complete the purchase of his first trail bike and seemed to mature overnight in the workplace. He was full of praise for his employers and fellow workers who were so patient and helpful as he learned the ropes.
So pleased with the whole program. It is so great to see the change in these students over the time of course of the program. This course needs to continue so we can help more of these unemployed get out of the rut and give them purpose and meaning to their lives.
The Students have been great, following the September Holidays, the 3 students I had working for me continued working on Saturday’s and I have been able to get more students working as well. The kids seem to have a great time as they compete with each other on who can pick the most. The program really helped me out of a bind during COVID-19 but I will continue this iniative to encourage more kids to consider taking up farm jobs.
Fantastic overall outcome for the students involved with Skills & qualifications needed for them to gain employment in the local region.