Kyabram P-12 College, Campaspe Shire Council and Shepparton Industry Training Hub, are trying to create stronger links between industry, employers and schools to get local young people into local industry.
The project is designed to funnel more young people into local industries that need labour, encouraging more kids to take up Vocational Education and Training courses.
The aim is to be “addressing key skills gaps and shortages, so employers have a future pipeline of young skilled workers in the local region”, Kristen Elliott from the Shepparton Industry Training Hub said.
Industry representatives conducted career presentations to 65 Kyabram P-12 College senior students on Monday, February 14. These local employers discussed their workforce needs and the skills required to work in these industries.
Students heard from local Tongala industries, Greenham’s, CopRice, SLTEC Fertilizers, Campaspe Shire depot, Tyler’s and Murray Dairy.
Greenham's, a major sponsor of the initiative, is expanding its business operations in Tongala, which will create 230 new full-time job opportunities, and wants to attract more young people to the sector.
“The multi-million-dollar project is a really exciting opportunity for our local region and we would love to build our future workforce and get young people excited about the industry and working for Greenham's,” plant manager Brett Scoble said.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the level of engagement of students and interest shown about our organisation and industry from both males and females.”
Then on February 25, 45 Kyabram P-12 students visited a range of industries in Tongala including Greenham’s meat processing plant, SLTEC Fertilizers, Tyler’s Dairy and Campaspe Shire depot.
Students gained insights into future jobs, pathways into work, what working in industry looks like and what employers are looking for.
“The biggest challenge for us as an employer is to source labour. Ideally, we want local labour, it is a family owned and operated Australian company and we are investing a lot of money in a new facility, potentially up to 120 jobs by end of the year,” Mr Scoble said.
When visiting Greenham’s students saw the new $50 million redevelopment, which will increase its production capacity and give access to new export markets. The new facility is due to be completed by the end of 2022.
“I knew about Greenham’s as I know someone who works there but I didn’t know about all the other local opportunities,” one student who participated in the Tongala site tour said.
At Tyler’s Dairy students toured the farm and dairy and learnt about the day-to-day operations of a farm. Students also gained insights into innovation and technology that has been used in the dairy operation to improve productivity.
At SLTEC Fertilizers the tour was led by young employees who shared insights into the business, which has doubled in size in the past two years, and the range of pathways available for young people from entry level.
When asked what they looked for when recruiting employees, operations manager Mark Herrick said “good people”.
“They also talked about attitude and desire. We saw a real consistency in what local employers look for in school leavers – positive attitude, willingness to learn and a person who shows up,” Ms Elliott said.
“It’s good to see they aren’t looking for lots of qualifications and previous experience. Employers are happy to take young people on and develop them.”
In May, industry representatives will follow up with students with a visit to the school to discuss employment and career opportunities.