Designing a skills training pathway for the agricultural workforce from the employer perspective: Skills micro-credentials from seasonal worker to supervisor

Purpose: To identify a skilled micro-credentialled training pathway for agricultural careers. Design/Methodology/Approach: A survey consisting of open ended and Likert-type ratings questions regarding workforce skills requirements, training priorities and training delivery preferences was administered with 17 agricultural business managers and employers. Data were analysed to understand current workforce structures, compliance and training skills needs for workforce segments including: (a) seasonal workers, (b) entry level workers, and (c) supervisors. Findings: Seventeen compliance and technical skills were identified as training priorities, and preferred approaches to training delivery included blended and on-the-job training, with formal accredited training preferred across all skills domains. Practical Implications: Findings suggest that micro-credentials for these skills domains are of use for industry, with a skills development pathway for different workforce segments identified. Theoretical Implications: It has been argued that micro-credentials may be a mechanism to improve the career motivations of workforce segments that traditionally do not engage in certificate or diploma level courses. The current research reports on an employer-identified need for this type of system, with further research required to explore employee perspectives. Originality/Value: This research contributes a skills map that can be used to inform the design a micro-credentialled training pathway for the agricultural workforce.