Bellevue Pastoral Company a success story in renewed AgSkilled program

A state government-backed program aimed at growing the agriculture and horticulture workforce has been extended for a further 12 months.

AgSkilled is administered under the NSW government’s Smart and Skilled program, with agriculture as a priority sector. Training Services works with identified agricultural industry representatives to improve agricultural productivity while embedding innovative and sustainable farming practices.

One of the program’s success stories is Narrabri’s Bellevue Pastoral Company.

Staff have accessed AgSkilled-funded training in everything from first aid to truck licensing and chemical use, improving safety, upskilling workers, and lifting the company’s operational capacity.

“AgSkilled has been a valuable investment in our people and me,” Bellevue Pastoral Company human resources officer Elizabeth Smart said.

“The training has helped improve safety, build capability, and support career development across our team.

“We’re seeing the benefits of AgSkilled not just on our properties but in the broader community. It supports productivity and gives our workers confidence and expertise.”

During the past year, the program has enabled training for more than 2300 participants across 188 locations, achieving a 94 per cent completion rate through 768 courses run by 33 endorsed providers, including TAFE NSW.

The program is also helping to attract a new generation to the sector, with one in four participants under 25, and one in four being female.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan visited Bellevue Pastoral Company last week to announce the program’s extension.

“This $5 million extension means more regional workers can get the training they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving agricultural sector,” Mr Whan said.

“AgSkilled is a great example of how government and industry can work together to strengthen our workforce and grow regional economies.”

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said regional communities are at the heart of the state’s economy, and programs like AgSkilled are helping ensure they have the skills to thrive.

“This investment supports the next generation of farmers and producers to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, while also creating real career opportunities for people in regional NSW,” she said.