The eight-day program starting in November this year will cover hands-on training in observing, handling and caring for stock, managing water supply, fencing, operating quad bikes, front end loaders and general farm machinery.  

Farm caretaker program coordinator Karen Wales said the course was the only one of its type in Victoria and could lead to a unique outback experience on a farm.

“A lot of Victorians go north for winter. This is the opportunity for them to get the skills to work safely on a farm,” Mrs Wales said.

“It’s for people looking looking to volunteer on properties or caretaking for a lifestyle change, to give them enough knowledge and confidence to work on a farm.

“Many people have never had the opportunity to work on a farm and generally don’t have skills to do that type of work.

“There are thousands of opportunities to work or volunteer on a farm around Australia, but farmers don’t want someone who’s never been on a tractor.

“We saw an opportunity to teach them before they go so they’re far more capable of applying for those jobs.”

The program targets semi-retired people who spend several months travelling north in summer, young people interested in working holidays and overseas travellers looking for casual work.

The proposal was created to attract people from Melbourne, Geelong and larger regional centres to make it a destination experience in Warrnambool, including fishing, river cruises, barbecues, and accommodation at the Hopkins River Holiday Park.

South West TAFE plans to run the program in November and February, March and April 2016, depending on demand. People interested in registering can visit www.swtafe.vic.edu.au for details. The course is non-accredited but is based on units in the nationally recognised Certificate II in Agriculture. 

The institution is also planning separate short courses for first-time small farm holders in 2016. The new program was inspired when a course director noticed many farms in outback Queensland were looking for short-term workers.