The Upskilling Early Career Agriculturalists (ECA) Project

Supported by both the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) and the Cotton Research Development Corporation (CRDC), this three year project, commencing in 2023, seeks to support those who are just setting out on the career in broadacre agriculture.

The project recognises that there is a continual flow of new agronomists and researchers into the grain and cotton sectors, many fresh out of university and with limited practical experience. The role of government institutions as the training ground for agricultural graduates as extension practitioners no longer exists and much of this responsibility has shifted to private consultancies and reseller group employers. However, given the commercial nature of these businesses, staff are often expected to ‘hit the ground running’ and may struggle with the skills and confidence to do so.

Success in both agronomy and research occupations relies on a balance of scientific knowledge and interpersonal skills, but the explicit teaching of extension theory and skill has reduced in current university agricultural science degrees. CCA, GRDC and CRDC identified concerns with succession across the research, development and extension spectrum and saw an opportunity to support industry to upskill early career agriculturists (ECAs).

To date this project has delivered a number of tailored professional development events that covered both the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills required in the current workplace. In both online and face to face formats, partipants have explored:

• Communications and interpersonal skills

• Working in teams

• The importance of understanding your client

• The fundamentals of agronomy

• Developing your support network

• The art of communicating science

• The realities of living and itegrating into rural communities

For more information on this project, please contact the CCA Office.