Work Experience

Valley Farmers has a dedicated agricultural careers team that helps to match students with the most suitable agricultural workplaces for work experience. At the moment, we are assisting:

  • Year 10 work experience, and;

  • Year 11 & 12 students who have Vocational Education & Training (VET) as part of their VCE. For example, Certificate II in Agriculture.

DISCLAIMER: Valley Farmers’ role in this program is to only act as an introduction agency. The final agreement, responsibility and liability of work experience programs is between the Student, Department of Education and the Workplace.

Work Experience FAQ

Q. Do I need any prior experience?

No experience is necessary, that’s what this is all about!

Q. What types of farms are available?

A. Gippsland is a premier Australian food bowl, generating over $7 billion annually through dairy, beef, lamb, and horticultural production. We are fortunate to be surrounded by a variety of farming produce, systems, sizes and skillsets. Therefore, we will discuss your interests and determine which farm would best suit your career goals.

Q. What types of jobs will I perform?

A. This is to be decided between the student and the farmer. It could potentially be a huge range of tasks including animal work, fencing, mechanics, administration, milking, yarding, manual labour and machinery operation. Farmers will understand that you won’t be doing the full A-Z farmer’s tasks from day one. The most important consideration for both student and the farmer is to only perform tasks where the student is safe and feels safe.

Q. What hours do I work?

A. This is completely between you and the farmer, however we remind both student and farmer that this is only supposed to be an ‘experience’ to let you decide whether to pursue agriculture further. For example, if you want to be milking cows as 5am, then I’m sure many dairy farmers would be delighted to have you there! Alternatively, if your parents drop you off on their daily commute at 8:30, then that is fine too. Students should be aware that farming is not strictly a 9am to 5pm job. Cows escaping, machinery breakdowns and weather variability all mean farming is a flexible job. However, as a general rule, farmers and student should be aiming for an average of 7-8 hour days.

Q. How do I get to farm?

A. Students need to arrange their own transport to the workplace. This can mean being transported by family or friends. If you have an especially friendly farmer and its not an inconvenience, they may have a worker who can collect you. Some farms are near towns so riding a bike or walking may be a possibility. As transportation is key to work experience, we suggest students and farms have flexible working hours to make it work.

Q. Do I get paid?

No. Work experience is being provided by the farmer as a gesture of goodwill toward the agricultural community. However, some farmers might slip you some pocket money at the end of the work placement if you’ve shown a good attitude.

Q. Do I get to drive and tractors and operate machinery?

It is completely at the discretion of the farmer to determine whether you are mature and skilled enough to perform any task safely on the farm. It should not be an expectation, rather a bonus if the farmer trusts you enough.

Q. What items do I take for a day’s work?

Dress appropriately. This means:

  • Safety boots,

  • Long sleeve shirts and trousers,

  • Hats,

  • Wet weather gear.

The farm should be provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as glasses, earmuffs, gloves, masks, etc. If your work placement is a diary then ask about overalls as the farm may be able to lend you some. Take a backpack with a complete change of clothes. Assume that you are responsible for your own snacks, water and lunch.

How to apply

  1. Students complete the expression of interest form below.

  2. One of Valley Farmers Career Guidance volunteers will be in touch to determine your needs and career goals.

  3. Valley Farmers matches you with a suggested agricultural workplace for your placement.

  4. The student then works directly with that workplace using the standard process as managed by their school and the Department of Education.