Backpackers have always played an important role in Australia’s regional workforce - particularly during peak harvest times - whether harvesting fruit, working in crops or picking grapes.  In fact, more than one-third of peak seasonal jobs on Australian farms were typically filled by overseas workers, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences. 



This was however, prior to the pandemic, which saw the number of travellers, both from overseas and within Australia, dry up. So much so, that more than $38 million of fruit and vegetable crops across the country were left to rot as a result of the severe labour shortages. 

For Australia’s regional and agricultural employers, news of international travel restrictions easing has come as a welcome relief, particularly with the busy harvest season approaching. As of May 15, there were 32,796 working holiday-makers in Australia - a 40 percent increase since borders reopened in November last year. 

While indeed looking up, these numbers fall well short of the labour demands of regional and agricultural employers, given that Australia’s horticulture industry alone employed up to 45,000 overseas workers a year on average. 

So, with a predicted bountiful harvest this year and an estimated 30,000 working holiday-maker visa holders still outside Australia, it’s important for regional employers to consider just how to manage the oncoming labour shortage. Here are some strategies that may help. 

Begin planning early

Though the harvest season runs between October and December, it will be important for employers to consider beginning the hiring and onboarding process much sooner, ideally in the coming weeks. In such a tight labour market, employers should consider that it may take longer than usual to find appropriate staff, even with many more international workers available. 

Once the right employees are found, they must then be onboarded and appropriately trained on workplace health and safety, specific machinery and any site-specific hazards. Leave it too late, and employers run the risk of rushing employees through this process, which could result in accidents and injuries at work down the track. 

Furthermore, staff may be required prior to the main harvest, to assist with any pre-harvest preparations and maintenance. This kind of preparation means your workplace will be ready to cope with the demands of the season and be safe for an influx of new workers. 

Upskill your current workforce 

The reduced international travel has resulted in more than just a labour shortage, with employers also contending with a skills shortage. For this reason, it can be helpful to look at your current workforce with future roles and responsibilities in mind to help identify any skill gaps you may be likely to experience in the coming months. 

Once identified, employers can begin implementing training and upskilling programs for their current workforce, to help them move into more specialised roles. This not only fills key skill gaps, but will also likely improve employee satisfaction and retention. 

Training and pre-employment programs 

It's worth noting that any travellers with working visas might not even possess the entry-levels skills specifically required for your industry or work site. Entry level training requirements often include safety, manual handling, dangerous goods and confined spaces training, for example. 

A way that employers can combat a lack of entry-level skills is to implement pre-employment training programs ahead of the busy season. This means there will be a larger talent pool from which to source trained and qualified staff, who you can trust have the knowledge to perform their work both capably and safely on your site. 

Enlist professional assistance 

Though borders are open, staffing challenges aren’t yet over for Australia’s regional employers. Reaching out to a professional employment and workforce management company who understands your industry and seasonal work can be a great was to ensure your shortages are minimised. 

Acclaimed Workforce is able to assist regional and agricultural employers with sourcing, hiring and onboarding those with international working visas, and provide them with any necessary pre-employment training. Furthermore, we can assist in upskilling your current workforce to fill any anticipated skill gaps you may experience, in order to create a new source of qualified talent from your existing workforce. 

If you would like to discuss your staffing or training needs and learn more about how Acclaimed Workforce can assist, contact us today.