Casting a wide net to lure more fisheries workers

A new Albanese Government-funded initiative to attract more workers to the fishing industry has been successfully launched.

The Seafood Careers website has been developed through public-private co-operation between Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said this new platform offers industry direct connection to training, career paths and work opportunities.

“The Australian seafood industry is a great industry to work for and one that the Albanese Government is incredibly proud of,” Minister Watt said.

“This website will help to attract people by showcasing the wide variety of rewarding career opportunities that are available.

“This is another step towards delivering one of our government’s key priorities in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, being workforce development.

“It is good to see industry using technology, to make it easier for people to see the exciting opportunities that working in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry industry has to offer.”

The seafood industry provides vital work to regional, rural and remote communities, directly supporting 17,000 families nationally.

ABARES estimates that the gross value of Australian fisheries and aquaculture production grew by 8.2% in 2022–23 to $3.63 billion, demonstrating the importance of this industry to Australia.

SIA Chief Executive Officer Veronica Papacosta said a shortage of capable and experienced people within the seafood industry is an ongoing challenge for many commercial seafood producers.

“Seafood Careers has been developed as a proactive step to address industry’s ongoing workforce shortages,” Ms Papacosta said.

“We want to showcase the amazing opportunities our industry has to offer.

“Seafood Careers is part of the Australian seafood industry’s goal to position ourselves as an industry known for its conscientious, fair, and progressive employers.”

FRDC Managing Director Dr Patrick Hone, says there is an immediate need for tools that help build capacity and opportunities within the fishing and aquaculture sectors.

“FRDC engages with a diverse cross section of fishing and aquaculture stakeholders, so we know how important it is to create easy to use tools and pathways for people to enter these sectors and build their careers.

“Just as important as the job information and vacancy opportunities, we’re also really excited to see the other programs available through Seafood Careers, such as the safety and mental health information and tools,” Dr Hone said.

Visit the Seafood Careers website at www.seafoodcareers.com.au