FNQ Growers are supporting a new campaign that encourages students to explore greater job opportunities in Australia's third largest fruit producing region.
The FNQ Holiday Harvest campaign aims to match students with suitable farm opportunities over the holiday period, and is being coordinated by Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network manager Leanne Kruss.
"The short term benefits of this initiative are to help students get an introduction into a job within industry, especially those with no connections to industry," Ms Kruss said.
"It is designed to develop a positive experience for students, parents and enterprises whilst also providing a great income over the holidays before embarking on tertiary education or heading back to school.
"It will also provide a pathway to increased awareness of meaningful career prospects and to attract new people to the industry, across all sectors."
Ms Kruss said initiatives like this one will provide incredible value to the northern Australian agricultural industry and the people of the north.
Those senior students searching for farm work are urged apply, with industry hopeful it may help ease the current seasonal labour shortages currently being experienced by growers in the states far north.
FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the region was heading into a busy labour period with lychees and mangoes, two of its main crops, preparing to harvest.
"Our industries are grappling with labour shortages so any initiative that is aimed at filling that gap is most welcome," Mr Moro said.
"It's a great opportunity for students to earn holiday money and farming enterprises to secure much needed labour."
Students working in seasonal agriculture roles may also be eligible for a $1500 bonus to assist with accommodation, travel, workwear and training related costs.
See website for details on eligibility and application requirements.
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