Apply
For 2023
AGCAREERSTART APPLICATION INFORMATION
PARTICIPANTS
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications for the 2023 intake are open from July 12 – October 18, 2022, via our online system. Before starting your application, please read the instructions below carefully.
When applying, all candidates must submit the following:
- A 5-minute video or a 500-word Statement of Intent
- An up-to-date copy of your resume
You must also send a reference check template to your referee for them to complete.
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Statement of Intent
Your Statement of Intent is your chance to demonstrate why you want to be part of the AgCAREERSTART gap-year program and why you are a top candidate. Your Statement of Intent can either be in written format (500 words or more) or alternatively, you may choose to create a video (approx. 5 minutes).
Whichever medium you select for your Statement of Intent, you need to clearly outline:
- Your motivation for applying to the AgCAREERSTART program
- Skills and work experience that make you a top candidate
- Your future aspirations and how you think AgCAREERSTART can help you achieve them
Tell us about YOU! Your Statement of Intent not only helps us assess your suitability for the program, but also helps us find you the most suitable on-farm placement. We encourage you to be creative and stand out from the crowd.
Your video can be in .mp4 format or supplied to us via a link. A written statement must be in .pdf format only.
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Resume
You will need to upload a copy of your resume. This will be viewed by Host Farmers, so make sure it is up to date and relevant. Make sure that your resume includes:
- Correct contact information
- Previous work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Interests
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Reference
You are required to nominate a referee who will complete a written reference form as part of your application. Your referee cannot be a relation. Types of acceptable references include: school teachers, university lecturers, previous employers, sports coaches and community leaders. Your referee will be required to complete a written reference form, which they will email to the AgCAREERSTART team at agcareerstart@nff.org.au. The completed reference will be sent out to potential host farmers with your resume and statement of intent.
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Other Application Information
In your application, you will also be asked to consider the following questions:
- Where would you be interested in working?
You will have the opportunity to tell us where in Australia you would like to work, based on how far away from home you are willing to travel or move. Bear in mind that the more flexible you are to moving to a different geographical location, the greater the chance we will find you a farm match.
- Which are your top preference industries to work in?
Take some time to research the many different industries there are in agriculture. We will ask you to prioritise your top preference industries from the following: Grain, Beef, Sheep/Wool, Dairy, Horticulture, Pork, Poultry, Cotton, Forestry, Cane, Viticulture, Aquaculture/Fisheries, Other livestock, Other specific
The AgCAREERSTART Team will do their best to place you in your top preference industries.
- Would you be able to source your own accommodation if it is not provided by your host farm?
Whilst many of our host farms supply accommodation with their placement, some may not. In this case, we need to know if you would be willing to source your own, such as rental accommodation, or staying with friends or family. Having this information helps us to match you with an appropriate farm.
- Where would you be interested in working?
In order to give yourself the best chance of being matched with a host farm, we strongly encourage prompt response to any communications from the AgCAREERSTART team. Any delay may result in you missing out on a placement.
If have any questions about the application process, or need help with your submission, please contact agcareerstart@nff.org.au.
Please download our Key Dates flyer here.
FARMERS
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Host farmer applications will be accepted through the remainder of 2022. Before initiating your application, please read the instructions below carefully.
When applying, all farmers must submit the following:
- A 250+ word description of the role you have on offer on your farm (ie – what does a typical day look like, what types of things will a participant be doing – keeping in mind that some participants might not be from a farming background).
- In 150 words or more, tell us who works on your farm and why it is a great place to work.
- Provide at least three pictures that showcase your farm and the opportunity you are offering (eg. scenic shots, pictures of work, produce, you/other employees). *If you have accommodation, please ensure there is at least one picture of the accommodation provided.
To increase your chance of being matched with the best applicant, please ensure an early application with a thorough description of the role(s) available and a compelling story of working on your farm. Please be aware that some participants may not come from an agricultural background, and may not know what is involved in everyday farm life, so the more detail you can provide on what a typical day looks like the better. READY TO APPLY? SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION HERE NOW.
Please read the FAQ section of our website for further information, alternatively please direct any questions to agcareerstart@nff.org.au.
NEXT STEPS
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Screening
After your application has been submitted, the AgCAREERSTART team will be in contact to organise a Host Farmer suitability screening. During the screening process, you will be asked about your motivations for applying to the program, your on-farm safety practices, emergency management procedures and employment practices.
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Matching
When the suitability screening has been completed, you will then proceed to the matching stage. During this stage, the AgCAREERSTART team will attempt to match a participant to your farm. Our matching protocol considers a number of factors, including the industry and location preferences of the participant and the individual requirements of the host farmer.
If a match is made, the AgCAREERSTART team will send you a participant profile which will include the participants ‘Statement of Intent’ which will be either a 500-word written statement of why they want to be involved in the program or 5-minute video, a resume and written reference.
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Interview
After reviewing the participant profile, AgCAREERSTART will connect you with the participant and you can proceed to an interview to determine suitability. Please note that unless there are significant reasons as to why you do not believe the participant is suited to your farm, we strongly encourage farmers to give participants an opportunity as many will be school leavers/might have limited work experience. If you do not wish to proceed with a matched participant, please note that we might not be able to offer a second option.
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Completion
If a participant match is successful, you will discuss with the participant the length of employment, the start date and rate of pay. Please note that all placements require a signed employment contract before commencing on farm.
AgCAREERSTART WEBINAR
To find out more about the AgCAREERSTART program, join us on one of our live webinars
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