Irish Dairy Farm Exchange Set To Address Skilled Worker Shortage
Up to 50 young dairy farm workers could be experiencing St Patrick’s Day in Ireland as they begin filling short term employment gaps on the Emerald Isle. NZ Dairy Careers Consultant, Matt Jones, has hammered out a deal with Irish farming organisations and dairy companies to create opportunities for worker exchanges between Ireland and New Zealand to correspond with each country’s off-season. The main purpose of the exchange is to address the current labour shortage that each country has been experiencing, particularly in the area of dairy farming, while giving successful candidates the opportunity to live, learn and earn in dynamic new surroundings.
With herd numbers consistently rising in New Zealand and Ireland, farm owners now find themselves in a position where they need more employees, which are increasingly difficult to find locally. "We needed to think outside the box to source more skilled farm workers to meet the growing demand for dairy staff in New Zealand. The exchange is the perfect way to supplement each country’s workforce at the times it is needed the most. Ireland and New Zealand have both used various methods to attract domestic workers, but it has become abundantly clear from the engagement that I've had with farmers and businesses, that neither country have the capacity to fill farming jobs with local labour,” says Jones.
An estimated 3,000 skilled dairy workers will be needed over the next decade in Ireland and NZ Dairy Careers are currently inviting New Zealand dairy workers to apply for the exchange. Our partners in Ireland Farm Relief Services are on tour in New Zealand early December to meet with our young farmers interested in travelling to Ireland and New Zealand Dairy Industry Groups.
Placements for New Zealanders in Ireland will run during the New Zealand off season - from January-June 2018. NZ Dairy Careers assist with all of the paperwork to ensure a smooth transition and will work with candidates every step of the way. Upon arrival in Ireland, Farm Relief Services will met workers and provide pastoral care throughout their time in Ireland.
A wage of €10.00 - €12.00 per hour is expected to be paid to New Zealand workers, with farm managers commanding more. “This is perfect for young people wanting an overseas experience. It’s not just about a job though, it’s also about having an experience in Ireland with three to twelve month placements. If you’ve got a season’s work under your belt, you’re good to go.”
If you would like to know more about the exchange, please visit www.nzdairycareers.co.nz or email [email protected]