Industry insights on skills needs
According to the Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC’s Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work 2019-2022, the top generic skills for Agriculture are:
- Learning agility/ information literacy/ intellectual autonomy and self-management (adaptability)
- Managerial/leadership
- Financial
- Technology use and application
- Science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) skills.
The Amenity Horticulture and Conservation industry has experienced significant disruption over the last year as it continues to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, drought, bushfires and trade issues on workforce development, according to the Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC’s 2021 Skills Forecast (Annual Update).
As such, the 2021 Skills Forecast outlines additional and emerging trends to those identified in the 2020 Skills Forecast including: the impacts of COVID-19; attracting new industry workers; increased demand for nursery and landscaping; and initiatives to create jobs and environmental benefits.
Impacts of COVID-19
COVID-19 has disrupted every sector of the Australian agriculture, horticulture, conservation and land management industries, according to the IRC’s 2021 Skills Forecast. Within the Amenity Horticulture and Conservation industries, COVID-19 lockdowns impacted Landscaping and Arboriculture for example, with activities suspended in commercial environments and in municipalities. The closure of international borders also affected labour supply, particularly in Arboriculture.
Attracting new industry workers
Among employers with job opportunities in the Amenity Horticulture, Arboriculture and related industries there are perceptions they did not receive support to attract new workers. This is despite long-term labour shortages exacerbated by COVID-19 and the availability of people who have been displaced from their usual work and are seeking new opportunities.
Increased demand for nursery and landscaping products and services
With many people spending a greater proportion of time at home, COVID-19 has also impacted peoples’ use of domestic space, notably gardens. This has had a significant on nurseries and gardening is predicted to maintain its current surge in popularity due to associated economic, recreational, health and environmental benefits.
Initiatives to create jobs and environmental benefits
Conservation and land management are important parts of governments climate policies, as well as supporting job creation. For example, projects focus on supporting growth, management and sustainability of national parks, as well increasing biodiversity and conservation through agriculture’s potential to sequester carbon in landscape.
For more information about these trends, please visit the Amenity Horticulture and Landscaping and Conservation and Land Management pages.
