Jobs and Skills Australia has released a new report, An Essential Ingredient: The Food Supply Chain Workforce providing a detailed and strategic approach to securing Australia's food supply through future workforce planning. The report conducted by Jobs and Skills Australia, addresses workforce challenges and highlights opportunities in Australia’s food supply chain, with a focus on the production, manufacturing and distribution of food.
The report provides a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by the food supply chain workforce, who play a crucial role in Australia’s economy, and presents actionable recommendations across eight key themes to build resilience and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability. Key findings in the report reveal that a skilled and adaptable workforce is not only essential to maintaining the resilience of Australia’s food supply chain but also an essential ingredient to our continued success.
The report highlights the value of work-based learning models, such as apprenticeships and traineeships which provide practical skills and ‘earn while you learn’ opportunities. Food production plays a critical role as a major employer in regional, rural and remote Australia. The Broadacre sector alone employs 117,000 workers and anchors many regional communities. However, the lack of sustainable housing and access to important services in these areas is a significant challenge. Coordinated government efforts are needed to develop targeted local solutions.
Developed using our tripartite approach to engagement and consultation, the report reflects input from industry peak bodies, employers, unions, academics, and education and training providers, ensuring a balanced perspective.
Australia’s food supply chain workforce is fundamental to the nation’s economy and food security. Workforce planning that ensures workers have the right skills, in the right locations, at the right time is critical to addressing the challenges identified in the report, while maintaining Australia’s position as a major producer of quality food. The release of An Essential Ingredient: The Food Supply Chain Workforce highlights the importance of proactive workforce development as a key driver of the sector’s resilience and competitiveness.
The full report is now available on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.
To support the release of this report, Jobs and Skills Australia will be hosting a webinar to delve deeper into the report’s findings. The webinar will take place on Friday 31 January 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00pm (AEDT).
We look forward to your participation in this important discussion.
For more information regarding the report, please email: WorkforceFuturesStrategy@Jobsandskills.gov.au
