RURAL TRAINING PROGRAM

PAST RURAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

We’ve taken a few photos and created short videos of students during their learning experiences with us, the following are short presentations created from these.

SUITABLE WORKWEAR

This course will involve hands-on practical learning, outdoors on a working cattle property. Participation in practical learning requires students to be dressed in suitable workwear.

As a Station Hand suitable workwear includes:
~ Horse Riding Boots (above the ankle work style boots, not dress boots)
~ Work Boots (heavy-duty & non-steel capped)
~ Long Sleeved Work Shirts (cotton and flannelette workshirts, high vis is not required)
~ Long Work Pants & Riding Jeans (Riding Jeans should be loose fit boot leg, wearing these helps reduce chaffing which may occur when riding horses)
~ Wide Brimmed Hat (highly recommended for working outdoors, caps worn correctly are also a good option)
~ Belt (to hold your jeans up as loose jeans that hang low can be a hazard in this industry)
~ Kerchief or face scarf (to protect the face from environmental hazards)
~ Water Pouch/ Camel Back Hydration Pack or water bottle.

Our supporting partner Donohues can help find the right workwear in the right fit.

QUESTIONS WE ARE OFTEN ASKED

What is the minimum age for to enrol in this program? As part of the rural training program, participants are enrolled into Certificate III in Rural Operations – AHC32816 with 15 years the minimum enrolment age.

What is the maximum age to enrol in this program? There are no restrictions on how old a person may be to enrol in this course.

What is the minimum age to work in the rural industry? The National Employment Standards identifies the minimum age of employment, however we encourage anyone interested in a career within this industry to do their research on working in this industry. Most employers are located in very remote areas, predominantly offering single accommodation, however some work sites can accommodate couples and even families. Living and working on a Cattle Station is suitable to those who possess the skills to live independently.

Is it ok to do this course if I have never ridden a horse before? Yes! a number of our past students have no previous experience in riding horses. As part of our training, Team Toomby commences with the basics of horse riding for all students.

I am not a young person at risk, can I still enrol in this course? Yes! Whilst Toomby Horsemanship has a reputation for working with young people at risk, enrolment into our programs is open to any individual who wants to learn and develop the skills and knowledge needed to safely commence working in the rural industry. When training programs are delivered with a specific eligibility requirements in place, details of these will be clearly identified by the supporting organisation and/or Toomby Horsemanship.

Is accommodation included as part of the training program? Yes! In delivering our rural training programs, we provide participants with a realistic learning experience of what they can expect when living and working on remote cattle properties. Most of our programs fees are quoted inclusive of costs to cover all meals and accommodation during their stay.

Is public transport available to and from course each day? Toomby Horsemanship Ultimate Rural Training Centre is located approximately 10-15 minutes out from Willows Shopping Centre. Public Transport is not available to this area.

Do you help with travel arrangements? Toomby Horsemanship do not receive any financial assistance to help participants with the costs of travel to attend or return home from our training programs. It is up to the individual to make suitable arrangements for this. There are some supporting organisations who may be able to help with these costs.

Will I get a job when I have completed this course? Toomby Horsemanship are not an employment agency, we deliver training programs in partnership with our RTO and are not required to find jobs for students on completion. We will encourage students throughout the course to prepare for and seek out employment opportunities. Your commitment to learning and developing the knowledge required for working in this industry will go a long way to helping you find employment in this industry. Team Toomby has an extensive network of contacts on properties throughout the North Queensland and Northern Territory Region and often become aware of employment opportunities, which they may share with participants during their attendance and on successful completion of our training programs.

What are the working conditions and minimum rates of pay for working in the industry? Working in the rural industry is definitely not a 9 – 5 job, you must be prepared to tackle any reasonable task at anytime. Workers are expected to undertake a wide range of duties including property maintenance and repairs, stock work and even cooking. The pay conditions may vary between sites and is often structured as a flat day or weekly rate, rather than hourly pay rate. It is likely that the conditions of your employment will fall under the Pastoral Award 2010 which can be found on the Australian Government FairWork Ombudsman website Pay Guides page. We recommend you ask your employer about the pay rate and working conditions prior to commencing work.

Are there costs involved in commencing employment in the rural industry? Like all jobs, there will be costs you’ll need to consider prior to commencing employment. These may include costs associated to your travel to the work site and/or purchasing personal and work related items. As work sites in the rural industry are based in remote locations they often stock a limited supply of personal items that workers can purchase through the canteen, otherwise its important that you have enough supplies to last until the first town visit.

Travel to site in own vehicle includes expenses relating to the cost of fuel, vehicle running and accommodation. Travelling to work is not about getting their quickly and putting yourself at risk, Employers would prefer to see you arrive safely for your first day of work so travel smart and travel safe! This includes planning your trip by identifying the most suitable route, where your fuel stops and overnight stay will be as remote travel often means long periods between towns. You may also need to service your vehicle prior to departure as minor repairs in remote areas can often be costly on your finances and time.

Travel to site by Public Transport can often be challenging to arrange as most work sites are not on normal transport routes, you cannot simply be dropped off at the front gate. Ask your employer to recommend the best way to get to the nearest town and be prepared to negotiate arrival for a day and time that is suitable to them. This travel may be done by bus or plane, in some cases it may be more cost affective to do both eg. Working in the Northern Territory may see you fly into Darwin and then travel down by bus to the nearest town. Either way, you will need to consider additional costs that may need to be added to your travel expenses for baggage.

Do you have a list of suggested items that may be needed for work? While the specific requirements for each work site will vary depending on the work performed, the following can be used as a guide of what you may need for work.

~ Workwear: you may need at least 5 sets of easy care, hard-wearing and machine washable clothing (see ‘Suitable Workwear’ list provided above).
~ Boots: Heavy duty boots are suitable for most work on a property, riding boots are better suited for work that involves horse riding. You may need both.
~ Winter Clothing: It can get very wet and very cold in some locations and a good waterproof jacket and thick winter jackets will be needed.
~ Bedding: at some work sites you will be required to provide your own linen, including: sheets; pillow cases; pillows; blankets; and, towels.
~ Swag: workers may camp overnight away from the main living areas on large musters and will need a good quality swag.
~ Motorbike Helmet: Where worksites may include riding motorbikes, your employer will advise if own helmet is required.