The Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) is looking for five high achieving Indigenous people to take part in a program to equip them become future managers and leaders in Australia’s agriculture industry.

With a focus around hands-on work experience as well as formal diploma level qualifications in agricultural management, graduates of the two-year program will be well placed to take top jobs in the industry.

ILC Chairperson Dr Dawn Casey said as property owners and skilled employees, Indigenous Australians are becoming an increasingly important part of the industry.

“We need to take the next step and prepare more Indigenous people for leadership roles in the industry and this program does just that”, Dr Casey said.

The ILC operates commercial pastoral businesses, mainly across northern Australia with 95,000 head of cattle and 25,000 head of sheep, and is a leader in Indigenous employment and training in the pastoral industry.

Over 50% of its agricultural workforce is Indigenous and each year over 150 Indigenous trainees learn the basics of stock work.

“There are many Indigenous people already working on pastoral properties that have what it takes to become leaders in their field,” Dr Casey said.

“Working with other pastoral corporations and agricultural peak bodies, the program will incorporate formal training, hands-on industry experience placements and field trips.

“We aim to provide participants with access to a network of leaders across the industry”.

Participants will be placed as understudies to ILC property managers in Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania. Each will have a structured development plan that includes conservation, improving pasture and herd productivity as well as general business and property management skills. They will complete a Diploma in Agribusiness or higher qualification during the program.

On completion participants will be guaranteed a job on an ILC property or with another employer.

Participants will receive a competitive salary, food and accommodation and tuition fees.

Short listing will commence in November 2012 and the program will start in February 2013.

For further information contact Brigid Tipping or Stephen McCarthy on 1800 818 490 (freecall).

Program seeks future Indigenous agriculture leaders