Information
for farmers

The matching process is a critical component to the success of the placement. Matching is a holistic process that aligns Host Farmer and Participant on key factors such as skills, culture, aptitude, and future career goals.

Matching can be an intense process, and certainly a nervous time for our applicants. Here’s what you can expect to happen;

1. Applications close, candidates shortlisted.
2. Preliminary Matching
   • Host Farmers sent at least one candidate profile
   • Farmer has a short time (72hrs) to review the candidate profile and respond*
   • Farmer can decide to interview the candidate, OR;
   • Farmer can reject the candidate and return to the matching process
   • If Farmer decides to proceed, Host Farmer profile will be sent to the candidate, who also has a short period of time to consider the match
   • Candidate can accept the match, OR;
   • Candidate can reject the match and return to the matching process
   • If both parties agree to proceed to interview, the match becomes CONDITIONAL.
3. Conditional Match
   • Parties to the conditional match will be emailed instructions for interview.**
   • The interview should be conducted as quickly as possible, either online or in person.
   • Following the interview, the Host employer may decide to offer employment, or return to the matching process.
   • Likewise, the candidate may choose to proceed, or return to the matching process.
   • Both parties notify the AgCAREERSTART team
4. Confirmed Match
   • Host employer issues a letter of offer and/or employment contract to the candidate, and employer onboarding process commences.
   • Start date is agreed upon and communicated to AgCAREERSTART
5. AgCAREERSTART Onboarding commences

*Please understand that the first match is likely the best one. Opting to go back into the matching process multiple times will impede the process and reduce the number of quality candidates you will have access to.

**Farmers may interview multiple candidates, however this is not preferred, as it means additional candidates taken out of the pool, when they could be matched with other Hosts.

Employers who delay the process without communicating may be removed from the matching process and/or have candidates returned to the pool. Farmers have important jobs, and we understand that things happen that will distract you from this process. What we do ask is that you communicate with us.

Onboarding Host Employers

Congratulations, you’ve made a confirmed match! Here’s what happens next:

• You will issue an employment contract BEFORE your Participant commences on-farm.
• You will agree on, and communicate a start date with the AgCAREERSTART team.
• You will be invited to attend an online Host Farmer Onboarding Webinar.
• You will be issued an Onboarding Handbook – consider this the AgCAREERSTART “bible”. Everything you need to know will be in here.
• You will be issued a Host Farmer Agreement that must be signed and returned to AgCAREERSTART ASAP.
• When your Participant commences on-farm, you will conduct a thorough induction, including completing the AgCAREERSTART Induction Template, provided by FarmSafe.
• Once we have received your completed Employment Contract, Host Farmer Agreement, and your On-Farm Induction, we will issue your Farm Safety Incentive Payment of $2,000.00

Onboarding Participants

Participants also have thorough onboarding requirements. You can expect your Participant to be undertaking the following:

• Participant will receive their Onboarding Handbook and Code of Conduct.
• Participant will receive a Participant Undertaking (Agreement), which must be signed and returned.
• Participant will be invited to attend an AgCAREERSTART Orientation Week (dates TBC). During this orientation, they will complete a First Aid or Chemical Handling course.
• Participant must complete two online AgCARD Farm Safety Modules BEFORE they commence on-farm.

We encourage you to go and read all the “Info for Participants” content on this website to understand what the program looks like for Participants.

The “important stuff” though;

• Participants gain access to a $4,500 Bursary to utilise throughout the year. They gain access by attending training meetings with the Training and Career Development Coordinator.
• Participants and Host employers have access to a 24/7 phone number for emergencies, as well as a text line and email inbox.
• Participants and Host employers have access to 8 FREE counselling sessions.
• From the moment the Participant arrives on-farm, a rigorous interaction schedule commences, keeping the team in touch with you and the Participant.

We ask that you communicate with us early and often, so we can help navigate issues and provide support as needed. The stronger the relationship between the Participant and the program, the higher the chance of program success.

Industry Events and Training

Throughout the year, Participants will get the opportunity to attend training activities and events. Likewise, the opportunity will be extended to you as well from time-to-time. Whilst we focus on peak, national, industry events, we encourage you to recommend local events of interest.

As an employer, you can be as involved in the training process as you’d like to be. We encourage you to make recommendations to your Participant, and to us, if you think there’s training they should undertake.

When Participants attend industry events or training, all costs associated with tickets and travel will be covered by the program.

Eligibility

Any Australian farming business can apply if they can meet the employer obligations. We are looking for host employers who can have a positive impact on the next generation of Australian agricultural workers.

Preparing your application

Just like our Participants, Host Farmers need to apply to join the AgCAREERSTART program. Your application will take about 30 minutes to complete, so we recommend preparing some essential information beforehand;

• 200 words on why you’re applying
• 250 words on your business
• 200 words on the role you are offering
• 3-5 pictures to support your application

It’s important to provide as much information as possible so that we can best match you with your Participant. Some of the content you provide in your application will be used to build your employer profile pack, which is sent off to candidates in the matching process.

Host Farmer Screening

All prospective Host Employers must complete a suitability screening with the AgCAREERSTART team. This will take up to 90 minutes and we will ask questions about topics such as your motivation for applying to the program, your on-farm safety practices, emergency management procedures and employment practices. The screening is a critical part of your application that helps ensure that you’re best matched and that you’re in the best position to provide a positive and safe experience for your Participant.

You will be emailed a link to book your screening once your application has been received.

Application timeline

The AgCAREERSTART application process follows a strict timeline. Please see the important dates below;

• Host Farmer Applications: NOW – 29th September, 2024
• Host Farmer Screening Window: NOW – 13th October, 2024
• Matching Window: From 29th September, 2024*
• Program Commencement : From 1st January – 31st March, 2025

*We aim to complete matching as quickly as possible. It’s important to complete your Host Farmer Screening as early as possible to join the matching process.