NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package – Skills Training for Drought Affected Farmers and Businesses

This program aims to subsidise skills training for farmers and regional businesses impacted by the drought and looking to transition into new or updated career opportunities. It forms part of the NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package which aims to help farmers manage the effects of the drought.

Due to the severity of the drought, some farming businesses are experiencing income losses or business closure. This access to funding aims to provide a pathway to alternative income sources or new career options.

Numerous training courses are available and include but are not limited to:
- Heavy Vehicle
- Forklift tickets
- Confined spaces
- Dogging
- Auto electrics
- Drone operations
- Business management
- Chainsaw operations
- Excavator tickets
- Elevated work platform
- Small engine maintenance
- Work health and safety
- Bookkeeping
- Farm management

The courses are fully subsidised by the NSW Government under the State Government’s Smart and Skilled Program.

The general public can already apply for these subsidies courses, however, access to training involves approval based on competing priorities. Under this initiative access to the subsidised courses is guaranteed for any farmer or business owner that meets the eligibility criteria.

Applicants are advised to contact their local Training Services NSW Office for more information on courses that will suit their specific circumstances.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Drought affected business owner or farmer.
- Live in a postcode with regional NSW (defined as all of NSW outside Sydney Metro, Newcastle and Wollongong).
- Meet the Smart and Skilled eligibility:
a) 15 years or older.
b) No longer at school.
c) Living or working in NSW.
d) Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.