WORKFORCE AND SKILLS

Day One

Presentation - Mirjana Prica, CEO Food Innovation Australia

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Context  - The skills need for backyard vegetable production differ from businesses supplying food to consumers. The skills needed for the food system are diverse. They include technical skills, through to basic business skills, food safety to customer service. The ability to innovate and contribute must be held in common throughout the business.

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Challenge - The lack of labour, the right skills or motivated people are impediments, but so is poor business culture. The answers require innovation and an appetite for risk. Technology means fewer people are needed but with higher skills. Engaging meaningfully with schools and young people is critical but so is creating the right workplace and skilling people to job need. Are we ready for this?

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Panel - ​

• Facilitator – Michael Claessens, Regional Development Australia

• Business Enterprise Centre – Business skills and the “art” of food

• Krofne Donuts – Disabled workers and ROI

• CIT/TAFE – Training available for food

• Richard Everson, Entrepreneurs’ Program

• Mirjana Prica, FIAL

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Case Study -  Funghi Co