The event brought together first and second-year trainees from various corners of Australia, fostering connections that will form the base of their professional networks.

The first year trainees were officially inducted into the Elders Livestock Career Development Program, while the second years graduated, but all came together to learn, connect, and nurture industry relationships.

First-year trainee, Riley from Dalby in Queensland, emphasised the importance of learning to interact with clients and build relationships.

"One of the major things I've taken away is learning how to interact with different clients, as well as building relationships through our clientele," he said.

"The variety of teaching methods was also an important part of the experience, it was a good mix of theory and practical learning. We spent time understanding the 'how and why' of working with stock and then put it into practice at the saleyards."

Nigel Starick, Livestock Manager for central Victoria, and one of the facilitators of the program, shed light on the significance of such initiatives for the future of the industry.

"It's huge for our business, if we don't recruit these young men and women and train them to be stock people, the industry has no future," Nigel said.

"We play a critical role in nurturing young talent for the sustainability of the livestock sector. The program aims not only to teach marketing and industry specifics but also to cultivate natural stockmanship among participants."

Nigel, like many Elders livestock managers and agents, began his journey in the industry nearly two decades ago as a trainee himself. The program has of course evolved since then, and an advancement in technology has opened new horizons for aspiring stock agents. Easy access to resources like smartphones, tablets, and computers allows knowledge and information to sit at an agent's fingertips.

Samantha Quintal, Elders People Operations Manager acknowledged the importance of the program and the uniqueness of a tailored training opportunity.

Samantha said, "one of the distinguishing factors of the Elders program is its extensive network, which spans across Australia, and provides our trainees hands-on experience and opportunities to develop the essential skills needed to move into a successful livestock career with us."

The program also emphasised proper safety awareness and techniques for the up-and-coming agents, with all trainees required to complete safe livestock handling training. The cohort is assisted by seasoned livestock managers and Elders' dedicated safety team to comply with business and industry guidelines.

Peter Homann, National Livestock Manager, expressed his pride in the program and its participants.

"It gives me great pride to witness the quality of this year's trainees and graduates," he said.

"One thing Elders has always done well is invest in our trainee program, and to see the training facilitators being the likes of Nick Gray, Matt Tinkler, and Nigel Starick, who have all gone through the program and are now managers teaching the next generation, it's just wonderful."

As the event in Albury concluded, participants left with more than just theoretical knowledge; they departed with a sense of camaraderie and a network poised to support them throughout their careers in the livestock industry. With initiatives like these, Elders continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Australian agriculture.

Attachments

  • Original Link
  • Permalink

Disclaimer

Elders Ltd. published this content on 15 April 2024 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 15 April 2024 03:49:01 UTC.