Making “middle managers”: workforce development for agricultural industries in transition

Abstract

The availability of suitably skilled people is being increasingly recognised as a critical element for success in agriculture, yet this can be challenging to achieve. The perennial fruit industry in Australia’s Goulburn-Murray region is an example of this. In 2015, employers in this industry identified a shortage of people for ‘middle management’ roles as a particular current concern. This paper outlines the findings of a scoping study focused on developing a better understanding of the issues affecting the ability of fruit growers in this region to attract, retain and develop appropriately skilled ‘middle managers’. The study was informed by a ‘systemic’ approach to workforce development, a..