An updated list of potential speakers at your meetings. A new addition are contact details for the Rural Skills Connect (Northern) initiative, which aims to:

> Engage rural people who have a range of skills considered a priority for
regional economic growth, but for which formal recognition of these skills may
not have been obtained.
> Link appropriate employment and associated training opportunities to rural
farming workers, owners, operators and direct farm sector service providers,
who have the skills to meet those needs.


What are the benefits to industry?
Available to local industry, it will provide:
> Access to a job-ready and experienced local labour pool
> Transitional training support; and
> An opportunity to assist the surrounding rural community in a tangible way.

Who is eligible in the farming sector and what are the benefits?

This is a free service available to rural farming workers, owners, operators
and farm service providers. It can offer:
> An opportunity to participate in an individualised skill assessment,
> Access to subsidised, targeted training opportunities; and
> Access to flexible employment opportunities that seek to balance on and
off-farm employment options.

Which industries are eligible?
A wide range of industries in the North East are eligible to participate in the
project. Occupations to be focused on within those industries will include,
but not be restricted to:
> Welding > Transport
> Retail > Mechanical/Machinery Operation
> Manufacturing > Forestry/Agriculture
> Hospitality/Tourism > Construction/Building
> Aged Care/Community Services > Clerical