COTTON growers seeking operational staff to work on their farm are encouraged to connect with school leavers as part of the 2018 Cotton Gap program.

Cotton grower Andrew O’Connor, Mungindi, NSW.

Now in its second year, Cotton Gap helps connect employers with students who have just finished school and are interested in either a long-term career in cotton or those seeking 12 months employment in the form of a ‘gap year’.

Cotton grower from Mungindi in north west NSW, Andrew O’Connor, employed gap year students for the 2016-17 cotton season.

“It gave us the opportunity to select from a great range of candidates who want to be involved in the Australian cotton industry, and they want a job for 12 months instead of three,” he said.

Cotton Australia general manager Michael Murray encourages interested cotton employers to submit their job advertisement to Cotton Australia as soon as possible.

Cotton Australia is also calling for interested students to submit an expression of interest to participate in the program.

“In launching the 2018 program, we are now seeking applications from cotton growers interested in employing a school-leaver,” Mr Murray said.

“Job advertisements should be submitted by October 9, 2017. Once job advertisements have been received, Cotton Australia will assist employers to connect with Cotton Gap students.

“Both the employers and participants will be supported by the cotton industry. Employers will be made aware of any relevant government subsidies that may be available for employment and training, and employees will be provided with initial training and opportunities for ongoing training.”

Visit Cotton Australia’s website for more information about how to participate: www.cottonaustralia.com.au/work-in-cotton/cotton-gap

Source: Cotton Australia