Case study: CANEGROWERS Mackay growing new crops of haulout drivers

CANEGROWERS Mackay is continuing to attract locals to its successful haulout training program to prepare them for seasonal work in the sugar cane industry.

Over the last 16 years, CANEGROWERS Mackay has trained about 170 participants to obtain a skill set as part of the Certificate II in Rural Operations through the course.

Training coordinator Deb Fowler said there was growing demand for places in the course, which was offered twice for the first time in 2022.

"Each course takes a maximum of 10 participants, run by 1 trainer, 2 trainer assistants and 1 RTO (registered training organisation) trainer provider from Axiom College," Ms Fowler said.

"In 2022, we secured additional funding through the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN).

"So with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training funding one and QAWN funding the other, we managed to run 2 successful courses.

"We train participants at the beginning of each sugar cane harvest season, so our farmers have trained workers.

"Many participants secure their work before the start of the course, as farmers know they will get the relevant training required for the job and will be 'work ready' when getting behind the tractor."

One of the 2022 participants, 48-year-old Leigh Mason, who was semi-retired and looking for seasonal work, said he was new to the district with no knowledge of the sugar cane industry.

"The course is well structured and covers everything you need for this job without being too heavy on paperwork and offers ample driving time with the instructors," Mr Mason said.

"I had a great experience learning from real farmers and felt confident going to work.

"Driving these big haulout tractors has been challenging at times, but with a supportive employer, and CANEGROWERS Mackay, it has definitely been a lot easier."

"I would recommend this course to anybody who is wanting a change in career, like myself, and who only wants to work 6 months of the year. I have since purchased a house in Mackay, so I plan to travel in the off season and be back in time for the start of the next season's crush. This suits my lifestyle completely."

CANEGROWERS Mackay secured Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding from the State Government to offer the courses in 2023. The organisation was awarded $73,000 under the Community Work Skills program to assist another 20 job seekers.