Huntlee was the host employer for agriculture trainees Stephen Dawson, Matthew Fulton and Stephen McLaughlin of Cessnock, and Kirstin Waller of Branxton who completed Certificate III in Agriculture through Scone TAFE.

Employed by Hunter V-Tec, the trainees were given on-the-job experience at the Huntlee-owned Bellona Estate on Old North Road, Rothbury.

Some of the tasks they completed throughout the year included slashing, fencing, vineyard work, cattle work, weed spraying, irrigation, tractor engineering and bush furniture.

Huntlee public relations and sustainability manager, Damien Griffith said they expect the intake of trainees to grow as the development progresses.

“Training and employment will be a big part of what Huntlee will be all about,” Mr. Griffith said.

“The nature of the traineeships will change as urban development rolls out,” he added.

The program has proven a good foundation to move into other employment, with Stephen McLaughlin already gaining work elsewhere.

The other three will continue with Huntlee to gain their Certificate IV, which will allow them to guide the next intake of trainees.

Mr. Griffith said Huntlee will also look at tailoring the program to target the trainees’ strengths, with pilot programs in specialised areas like animal husbandry or vineyard management.