James Francis, once a corporate debt collector, found himself yearning for a more fulfilling career. Trading his office attire for work boots, James embarked on a journey into the world of weed management, a sector facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals.

“I was something of a ‘digital bounty hunter’. If people owed the company money, it was my job to find them online and get in touch with them. This job wasn’t a good fit for me,” Francis said.

The Hawkesbury River County Council (HRCC), overseeing weed control across the Hawkesbury-Nepean region, has been proactive in addressing this workforce gap. General Manager Chris Dewhurst said that the sector has "at least doubled in size in the last 25 years," driven by heightened awareness of invasive species' impacts on both the environment and economy.

To cultivate talent, HRCC offers hands-on traineeships, providing aspiring weed control officers with practical experience while they pursue necessary certifications. Since 2012, this initiative has produced over 19 graduates, all of whom have secured positions within the industry.

Francis’ transition is just one example of the program's success. After enrolling in a TAFE course on Conservation and Ecosystem Management, he joined HRCC as a trainee, gaining invaluable field experience. The HRCC offered a flexible program where he could work as a Weed Control Trainee while completing his study. Upon completing the program, James quickly advanced within the team and now mentors new trainees.

The course was offered under the NSW Government’s Fee-Free TAFE initiative, which provides free courses relating to industries that are facing skills shortages.

But it's not just about providing training, there is urgency in this work. Challenges such as recent flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean region, has exacerbated the spread of invasive aquatic weeds. In response, HRCC has integrated new solutions, including the use of drones for efficient mapping and early detection of weed clusters. This technology enhances their ability to manage and mitigate the spread of harmful species, protecting local ecosystems and agriculture.

For those like Francis, the combination of a fulfilling career and the opportunity to make a tangible environmental impact makes weed management a compelling field, “I was working in a concrete jungle disconnected from nature, and it made me realise that above all else, I wanted my career to have a positive impact on the world around me,” Francis said.

HRCC's approach not only addresses the immediate need for skilled professionals but also fosters a new generation committed to preserving Australia's natural landscapes.