The scheme's objective is to identify school leavers or graduates who demonstrate that they have the desire and attributes to attain leadership positions within agriculture.

Jackaroos, Jillaroos and Cotton Trainees (Participants) may enter the scheme for a maximum of three years on an annual contract basis, after an initial probationary period. After three years, successful participants may be invited to take more responsible positions on a longer term basis.

At the end of three years, Participants should have achieved a basic all-round practical and theoretical knowledge (with the emphasis on the practical),to enable them to take on positions of increasing responsibility.

Each year is regarded as a unit with specific skills and understanding laid down for achievement. There are two streams within the scheme, a Cotton stream and a Pastoral stream. At the end of each year depending on Company needs and the interests of the Participant, moves can be made between the two streams. It is unlikely that a Participant would spend more than two years in the same posting.

The spirit of the scheme is one of mutual obligation whereby the Participants and the Company make commitments to each other to:

• Abide by rules and codes of behaviour which befit those aspiring to leadership responsibilities. The scheme places emphasis on self organisation and self discipline, believing that those who wish to lead others need to develop such personal attributes.
• Provide and receive basic training, including on the job personal coaching and theoretical explanation, with at least two class-room style training courses being held each year utilising internal and external trainers

Towards the end of each year plans for the following year will be made with the needs of the Company being central, but with Participants wishes taken into account. There is no commitment by the Company to extend an offer to a Participant for a further year and it is accepted that a Participant may likewise wish to withdraw. Withdrawal during the year is viewed as a breach of obligation other than when the Company, at its discretion, determines that dismissal is warranted for disciplinary reasons.

Participants who enter the scheme straight from school (HSC or equivalent is regarded as the minimum secondary schooling prerequisite), are encouraged at some point, to undertake tertiary study on a full-time basis, and with the Company's blessing may withdraw from the scheme (at year end) after one or two years to do so. Subject to the Company's needs they may subsequently re-enter the scheme.

The winning of a Clyde traineeship is regarded by the Company as a significant achievement; those selected having demonstrated the characteristics which should allow them to attain leadership positions. The Company is prepared to invest in the development of these attributes both as a means of meeting its own future management needs and as a contribution to the industry in which it has established a significant long term position. However, in so doing the successful candidates are expected to meet their side of the deal by adhering to the standards and rules established before entering the scheme.

Remuneration

The Company will pay a standard escalating salary for each of the three years. First year entrants who claim high levels of prior experience may be rated as second year equivalents and will be given the opportunity to demonstrate this during the probationary period. Remuneration includes full keep.

Hours of work vary in accordance with the seasonal needs of the business and overtime is not paid. At the Station Manager's discretion time off in lieu will be available.

Personal Conduct

Those who aspire to leadership positions must demonstrate their suitability by way of their personal presentation (dress), manner of speech and social attributes (general demeanor/ table manners/punctuality etc).

They will be expected to maintain living quarters in a clean and tidy state, mix appropriately with a wide cross section of people, not use drugs and show maturity (or abstinence) in using alcohol. They will need to accept the need for authority and demonstrate respect for authority.

Entrants to the scheme will undertake a driving course prior to commencement and will thereafter be expected to treat Company vehicles (and machinery) in an appropriate manner.

A note book and pocket knife (or the like) are regarded as essential personal tools. Clothing suggestions can be obtained from respective Stations / Farms.

Apart from working sheep or cattle dogs no pets are allowed.

Living Arrangements

The Company will provide air-conditioned, fully furnished quarters of a high standard for Participants. In turn it is expected that these quarters will be hygienically and neatly maintained.

On the Stations (as distinct from the Cotton Farms), Participants will be provided with all of their food requirements and household requisites by the Station Manager, who in turn is reimbursed by the Company. Linen, washing machine, refrigerator, dish washer, microwave, television, and eating utensils are provided by the Company. Access to a telephone and email (where possible), at personal expense, will be available. From Monday to Thursday Participants usually have their evening meal with the Station Manager and his family. This provides a degree of family life and an opportunity to gain insights into the business in an informal and relaxed manner. They are expected to be conscious of the demands these arrangements make upon the Manager's wife (in particular), for which they receive no specific remuneration, and to assist in every possible way with household chores and to generally conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.

Arrangements on the Cotton Farms differ from those on the Stations and differ between Farms depending on their location relative to the nearest town.

Resumes and letters of application to:

Email: rturner@clydeag.com.au
Fax: 02 6870 8599

or post to

Clyde Agriculture Limited
PO Box 33
Bourke NSW 2840