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NEWSPAPER advertisements for agribusiness jobs continue to fall sharply, dropping 45 percent nationally in the past two years, according to a Rural Jobs Index compiled by recruitment specialists, Rimfire Resources.

The Rimfire RJI monitors agribusiness job adverts both in newspapers and online, providing a real-time pulse on the agribusiness job market.

Rimfire Resources’ Nigel Crawley said the RJI showed the number of adverts in newspapers had fallen more significantly over the past six months than the previous two years.

In sharp contrast, internet-based advertisements for agribusiness jobs fell only slightly over the past six months and have remained relatively constant over the past three years.

“Newspaper advertisements nationally have fallen from 800 in January to 399 in June, with an average 591 per month,” Mr Crawley said.

“In 2012, there were 826 advertisements in January, falling to 726 in June, with an average 744 per month.”

This compares to an average 1267 advertisements per month for the same period in 2011, which equates to a 45pc drop over the past two years.

Mr Crawley said the drop can be largely attributed to the decline in advertisements for on-farm production roles.

“This does not mean there are fewer on-farm production roles available; the need for skilled workers in regional Australia is as great as ever,” he said.

“What it does mean is that employers are moving from traditional advertising avenues to avenues such as online and placing greater emphasis on word-of-mouth referrals when hiring.”

Internet advertisements remain steady by comparison with an average 318 per month for the period between January and June 2013.

“Given the average number of monthly internet advertisements has remained constant, the drop in on-farm production advertisements seems to have been absorbed by an increase in advertisements, in this medium at least, for off-farm roles,” Mr Crawley said.

 

Elders seeks next generation of agency specialists

 

In other rural recruitment developments this week, Elders has opened applications for its 2013/14 traineeship program.

The agency company says the move is part of a long-term investment for Elders and for professional service in the agricultural industry.

People with a passion for agriculture and rural Australia are encouraged to apply for an Elders traineeship, which provides trainees with an in-depth understanding of agribusiness as well as a nationally recognised qualification.

Elders group general manager Australia network, David Goodfellow said the program served to help address the skills-shortage in regional Australia, and gave young people the opportunity to forge a career in agriculture.

“The program aims to develop a new generation of rural specialists within Australia to support our primary producers, while also allowing young people to see that agriculture has an exciting future,” Mr Goodfellow said.

Trainees worked with experienced Elders staff to learn the business of stock and station agency, including how to prepare and select stock for sale, provide advice on farm inputs and livestock products, and build client relationships, he said.

“Elders has a long history in providing first-class training in agriculture, and has trained more professionals located in rural Australia than any other organisation.”

Trainees undergo an 18-month program, where they are placed in various branches and roles around the country, providing a comprehensive exposure to all areas of the business.

On successful completion of the traineeship program, trainees will gain a Certificate 4 in Agriculture, and will be placed in an operational role within the company, where possible.

Applications are open until Friday, August 9.

• More information can be accessed here.