The AgFutures project was developed in response to severe and long-term agricultural workforce shortages, and declining uptake and completion of entry-level agricultural programs among young workforce entrants in regional Victoria. The project designed and tested a new approach to collaborative workforce development that could more effectively meet the needs of young people experiencing disadvantage and unemployment, and agricultural employers. 

The evaluation highlights the benefits of sustained engagement with young people and employers to strengthen the design of pathways to entry-level work. It also shows the challenges of enabling innovation mindsets between partners, particularly when local conditions change and impact on project delivery. 

Key findings

• Strong governance, a commitment to co-learning, and deep engagement with employers and young people strengthened collaboration.
• Piloting with young people and employers resulted in positive outcomes but was impacted by changing local conditions and structural barriers.
• Sustaining strengthened networks and practices post-project requires local leadership and coordination.
• There are further opportunities to demonstrate the joined-up practice and capability building components of the project.