The Budget money is part of a major investment by the Government in jobs and training as it tries to get the economy moving again following the covid-19 pandemic.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the primary sector will need about 50,000 more people in a post-covid-19 world.
“There is no shortage of international demand for our high-quality food and fibre.
“We now need a skilled workforce to help us seize the opportunities that are currently before us.
“There are jobs going all over the country ranging from hands-on work in orchards and on farms to professional roles in engineering, science and management.”
O’Connor said the initiative aims to put at least 10,000 people in primary sector jobs by rapidly retraining and absorbing workers displaced from other sectors like hospitality and aviation.
“In the longer term this initiative supports the growth of the primary industries by ensuring they are able to attract workers to meet current and future needs across the sector and at all levels.
“Part of the funding will go into working with industry on familiarisation courses that help new workers know what to expect from life on a farm and to provide essential skills to help workers settle into primary sector roles and lives,” O’Connor said.
The wider funding includes a $1.6 billion trades and apprenticeships training package to rebuild the economy.
“As we emerge from this health crisis it is important that we now invest in training and education for people who might have lost their jobs or who want to move into a different sector where prospects are better,” Education Minister Chris Hipkins said.
Making targeted vocational training courses free for all ages over the next two years will help people who have lost their jobs retrain and also allow new employees in some essential services to train on the job.
“It will include courses linked to industry skills needs in building and construction, agriculture and manufacturing and also vocational courses like community health, counselling and care work. The fund will be available from July 1.
“The initiative to support employers and group training schemes to retain and keep training their apprentices is critical for continuity. The last thing we want to see is apprentices and trainees having to be let go when we need really them.”
