A pilot project was initiated to employ four Aboriginal trainees to work on cotton farms in the Narrabri district. This pilot was funded through the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Initiative supported by the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation. For young people in the local Aboriginal community the traineeships offered the chance to gain skills and experience and a nationally recognised qualification in agriculture and in natural resource management, both industries with strong job demand.

Three of the trainees completed a Certificate II in Rural Production and upon completion of the program one trainee obtained full time employment within the cotton industry. For young people in the local Aboriginal community the traineeships offer the chance to gain skills and experience and a nationally recognised qualification in agriculture and in natural resource management, both industries with strong job demand.