Let’s look at the current trends in job demand and talent availability in the agriculture and agribusiness sector in Australia over the second half of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. There was a weakening of job demand in this sector but a slight improvement in candidate availability and job interest during this period. The trends are reflected in online job boards such as SEEK, where job ads in the Farming, Animals, and Conservation category experienced a notable decline from January 2023 to January 2024, despite a significant increase in previous years. However, candidate availability has increased significantly to its highest level since 2013.
Despite the decrease in advertised positions, there has been a rise in applications compared to the five-year average, indicating high competition for available roles. This competition is attributed to farmers’ difficulties in finding workers with specific skillsets, particularly in areas like agritech and sustainable practices, as well as a growing pool of candidates interested in agricultural careers. Employers are therefore facing the challenge of competing for talent while addressing potential skill gaps in the workforce.
These trends underscores the need for employers to adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain talent while addressing potential skill gaps within the workforce. Understanding these developments is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of agricultural employment and ensuring the industry’s continued resilience and growth.
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