The Andrews Labor Government is creating more jobs in regional Victoria with one of Australia’s biggest food manufacturers.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today announced a $3.71 million partnership between Jobs Victoria and George Weston Foods (GWF) – the name behind the Don KR smallgoods brand – to create 200 new jobs with the food manufacturer.
The full-time ongoing roles are available at GWF’s Don KR factory in Castlemaine, its head office in Port Melbourne and farms in Bears Lagoon in north central Victoria and Girgarre in the Goulburn Valley.
GWF is looking for food production operators, packers, farm assistants and administrators with recruits to receive specialised induction training before they commence employment.
Successful applicants will attain a Certificate III in Food Processing, Certificate III and IV in Agriculture or Certificate IV in Leadership and Management – with training costs and fees covered by GWF.
The ongoing roles will provide a unique opportunity to experience the food manufacturing industry from the farm to the factory floor, while working up the ladder for a rewarding long-term career with management potential.
Those hired will be supported with dedicated workplace mentors, free uniforms and any necessary work-related equipment.
The jobs are being prioritised for young people aged 18 to 25, women aged 45 and over, people with disability, people who are long term unemployed, Aboriginal Victorians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and others experiencing challenges finding work.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“These jobs will enable people to start a long-term career with on-the-job training included.”
“We know there’s strong demand for locally made food products and this investment is supporting the sector to meet that now and into the future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“By backing local manufacturing we’re creating local jobs not just for the now but for the long term, which has such great benefits for the community.”
Quote attributable to Will Ursell Managing Director Don Smallgoods
“We want to change the perception of factory jobs – our frontline factory staff often move through the ranks to management roles, there is so much opportunity for career progression.”
Source: Premier of Victoria
