Caitlin Radford, Tasmanian and Australian Apprentice of the Year 2020

In November 2020, Caitlin Radford from Moriarty in Tasmania’s North West was delighted to be recognised as Australia’s Apprentice of the Year. This recognition was an indictment of Caitlin’s pursuit of knowledge in her chosen field.

Caitlin Radford is a fifth generation farmer from Moriarty on the North West Coast of Tasmania and after completing her Certificate III in Agriculture was awarded the honour of Apprentice of the year at both the Tasmanian and Australian Training Awards.

Caitlin grew up living on the land and has always had a huge passion for the agricultural industry.  After completing other certificates and a diploma, as well as Year 12, she knew then that she wanted to live and work on the farm as a career and lifestyle.

In 2018, Caitlin started her Certificate III in Agriculture through TasTAFE as a part-time apprentice and through the family farming business at Moriarty. Caitlin had completed other small certificates through TasTAFE and which enabled her to do hands-on workshops at Freer Farm in Burnie.

As a practical and hands-on learner, Caitlin knew that the apprenticeship was the best option available to her. Caitlin has progressed into a Diploma of Agribusiness Management, and which she is currently completing through TasTAFE.

Caitlin has grown up with her father and grandfather on the farm and was always working when she could, around school and horse riding commitments. Caitlin loves working with livestock and machinery and the diversity that farming brings with it. Her father, Shane, is also her employer. They have a close relationship, and Caitlin enjoys working alongside her role model everyday as he supports her as a young female in the industry.

Completing the Certificate III in Agriculture has given Caitlin the stepping stone to go onto her Diploma of Agribusiness Management and will also allow her to continue her studies in the future. She intends to complete a Diploma of Agriculture and a Degree in Agribusiness at University.

In addition to her studies, Caitlin is heavily involved in the equine sector, primarily in dressage. She has been a qualified coach since 2017 and has been coaching beginners to advanced level, as well as through adult riding clubs. Caitlin runs her own small business creating freestyle music for dressage,
including for international clients.

In 2020 she was awarded a Primary Employers Scholarship which was for a Farm Managers Program, run by Rabobank in New Zealand (currently postponed until mid-2021.)

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