The Minns Labor Government is backing the next generation of skilled agricultural workers with a new $3.3 million training facility at the TAFE NSW Primary Industries Centre in North Wagga Wagga.
The agricultural vehicle shed will help meet growing demand for agri-mechanical training, supporting apprentices with the specialist skills needed to keep modern farm machinery operating across NSW and Australia.
The investment comes as the Centre's program continues to grow, expanding more than 30-fold since its establishment in 2015 and attracting close to 400 apprentices annually from across the country to train in Wagga Wagga.
The new purpose-built facility includes three work bays, a storage bay, three classrooms and an amenities block, providing apprentices with contemporary spaces to develop the practical skills needed to service and repair modern agricultural machinery.
The facility will primarily support apprentices completing the Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology through the High-Performance Training Academy, a collaboration between TAFE NSW and agricultural machinery dealer Hutcheon and Pearce, the Australian retailer for John Deere.
The Academy delivers tailored training for Hutcheon and Pearce apprentices, who train on the same John Deere machinery, equipment and diagnostic systems they use in the workplace.
Hutcheon and Pearce reports apprentice retention has increased from 25 per cent to 75 per cent since the Academy commenced, while faster machinery repair rates are helping reduce downtime for farmers and agricultural businesses.
The new facility will also support students undertaking their Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology and Automotive Electrical Technology.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
"The Riverina is one of Australia's agricultural powerhouses and its success relies on a skilled workforce capable of maintaining the modern machinery farmers depend on daily.
"This new $3.3 million facility is a great example of the Minns Labor Government investing in the practical, industry-aligned training, giving apprentices access to industry-standard equipment and helps ensure they're job-ready with the skills employers are looking for.
"What began in 2015 with around a dozen apprentices training in a repurposed shed has grown into one of Australia's leading agricultural mechanical training programs, attracting close to 400 apprentices from across the country each year.
"To support that growth, the Minns Labor Government is investing a record $3.46 billion in skills, training and TAFE NSW, ensuring centres like this can continue developing the skilled workforce that keeps farmers moving and supports agricultural productivity across Australia.
"TAFE NSW collaborating with Hutcheon and Pearce demonstrates what can be achieved when government, TAFE and industry work together to give apprentices practical training using the machinery and technology they will encounter on the job."
Member for Wagga Wagga, Joe McGirr said:
"Wagga Wagga has a proud history of agricultural education and training, and it's great to see that tradition continuing with this significant investment in the TAFE NSW Primary Industries Centre.
"Over the years I've seen this program go from strength to strength, attracting apprentices from right across the country because of the quality of training on offer here in Wagga.
"This new facility will help ensure the next generation of agricultural mechanics can continue to build their skills locally and support the farmers, businesses and communities that drive our regional economy."
TAFE NSW Automotive Team Leader, Trevor Bruce said:
"Agricultural machinery has become increasingly sophisticated, and today's agricultural mechanical apprentices need skills across mechanical, electrical and diagnostic systems.
"This new facility gives TAFE NSW apprentices purpose-built spaces where they can develop those hands-on skills, working on the same types of machinery and technology they use in industry.
"Ultimately, these apprentices are learning the skills that help get machinery repaired and back into paddocks sooner, which is incredibly important to farmers and regional communities."
