Employment, Careers and Training Feature 2023

FLAVORITE is the largest glasshouse grower of fresh fruit and vegetables in the country. Our latest state-of-the-art sixhectare glasshouse in Tatura has created numerous employment opportunities for local residents. If you’re ready to grow your career this is the best time to join our dynamic and supportive team.

A range of full-time leadership

opportunities are available, ideally you will have experience however we are happy to assist your journey with our leadership development program. If you prefer a casual role in picking, packing or crop work we can provide all the required on-the-job training.

Learn more at flavorite.com.au/people

GROWING LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES... Flavorite’s 60,000 square metre glasshouse was opened last year. It has over 150,000 highly productive tomato plants, which will deliver 4,000 tonne of great tasting and sustainably grown produce to consumers all over Australia, while increasing employment at the Tatura site to over 170 people. Explore career opportunities at flavorite.com.au/people. Photo: Supplied

Get ahead with Free TAFE

IF YOU’VE ever considered studying to enhance your skills or to change or start a new career, there has never been a better time with the State Government expanding eligibility for Free TAFE.

Under recent changes, community members will no longer be required to meet specific age, upskilling or reskilling requirements, meaning that most are now eligible to study selected courses under Free TAFE.

Travis Heeney, GOTAFE CEO, welcomed the announcement, saying, “We know our regional economy is changing faster than ever, and we must be responsive to the local industry, employment and training needs of our community.

“The expansion of the Free TAFE program will provide more opportunities for our local community members to access high quality training and support the growth of our skilled workforce, aligned with the needs of our industries and other communities,” said Mr Heeney.

GOTAFE currently offers 40 free courses including Diplomas in Accounting and Nursing, Certificate IV in Cyber Security, Certificate III in Hospitality, and many more.

“Students can study for free in a number of industries that are currently facing high demand including Nursing, Community Services, Veterinary Nursing, Hospitality, Training and Assessment, and Early Childhood Education and Care. This will lead to opportunities in important areas and make a positive difference in the community,” Mr Heeney said.

“Our courses will give you real-world, hands-on experience so you can graduate with job-ready skills. We have a range of opportunities to support a variety of career paths,” he added.

To find out more about Free Courses available at GOTAFE, please visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/freetafe

Helping women achieve financial independence

FOUNDED by Mikaela Stafrace in 2019, WomenCAN Australia is a registered charity which assists women to reconnect with the workforce by helping build women’s confidence, connections and work capability.

Their goal is to break the cycle of disadvantage and crisis through peer support, upskilling, and training, with their model designed by women who understand the barriers that can hold women back in seeking meaningful employment. Their ‘Earn and Learn’ approach assists women to find employment in the aged and disability care sectors while gaining invaluable skills.

Last year they successfully launched their Aged Care Traineeship program in Bendigo, Mildura and surrounding shires, and they are currently training 200 women as personal care assistants and ancillary staff, with the goal

of placing them into immediate employment with quality aged care providers in the region.

“The courses undertaken by our participants are designed to prepare graduates to obtain an apprenticeship or traineeship in the related trade. They are designed for school leavers and other new entrants to the workforce and give learners a taste of what it’s like to work in a particular trade, with hands-on live and simulated practical work as well as theory,” explained Mikaela, CEO and founder of WomenCan Australia.

For further information, please visit www. womencanaustralia.org or to speak to someone about traineeship opportunities in Shepparton and surrounds, call 0434 781 942.

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF DISADVANTAGE...WomenCAN Australia is a registered charity which assists women to reconnect with the workforce by helping build confidence, connections and work capability. Pictured from left is financial controller Mark Jowett, board member Jody Potter, (board member Kerry Kornhauser, peer support lead Elizabeth Crowther, operations manager Kelly Wandel and CEO & founder Mikaela Stafrace. Photo: Supplied

Goulburn Valley Health is the place to work

JESS Goodwin began her career journey in Sydney, and now works as a Grade three Physiotherapist at GV Health.

“I heard good things about GV Health and Shepparton from another physio, she said she really enjoyed her time here,” Jess said.

Jess submitted her application and was offered a Grade one physiotherapist position; she was well supported by GV Health with her relocation which helped

with a seamless transition to Shepparton.

Five years later, Jess is still in Shepparton, alongside her partner and two “fur babies”.

“It’s been great for making friends, especially working in the hospital’s physiotherapy department … we’re getting fairly established now,” Jess said.

“The team has always supported me and given me opportunities during the time I’ve worked here, if we’re interested in new areas, there’s support to move there.”

FOR over 34 years, the Greater Shepparton Business Centre on New Dookie Road has supported burgeoning and established businesses to access both the space and services they require to consolidate and succeed.

Offering a range of support services including business mentoring, workshops, training, information seminars and networking events, many of Shepparton's most successful businesses have benefitted from the foundational support of the Business Centre.

Highlighting the strong uptake of mentoring services at the hub, Greater Shepparton Business development co-ordinator, Tricia Martinek said, “We offer young entrepreneurs, small and even well-established businesses, the opportunity to speak with a specialist for an hour, free of charge to gain direction for specific advice, support and/or mentorship.”

With the overarching aspiration to attract businesses to the region, the Greater Shepparton Business Centre provides 16 offices and five light commercial sheds to lease at a subsidised rate.

For operators who require space for as little as one day per

She recommends anyone to give it a go.

“I think it’s a great place to work and I think there’s a really good culture here,” she

business success

said.

To

week or even just a business address to get the ball rolling, virtual tenancy options also offer a practical bridge to success, particularly for those ventures relocating to the region or testing the waters.

With staff training rooms catering for up to 22 people and spacious boardrooms comfortably accommodating up to 12, the facilities on New Dookie Road are ideal for professional development opportunities that work to advance your concern.

The Greater Shepparton Business Centre is located at 70 New Dookie Road, with further information available by calling 03 5832 1100 or by accessing the centre’s website at sheppartonbusiness.com.au.

find out how you can join the team at GV Health visit: gvhealth.org.au/career

PROFESSIONALS FROM AROUND THE NATION... Grade three physiotherapist Jess Goodwin moved from Sydney to work at GV Health, where she has found a supportive team of professionals, providing her opportunities to advance her knowledge and skills.Photo: Supplied

SUPPORTING NEW AND ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES TO ADVANCE THEIR CONCERN...Tricia Martinek is The Greater Shepparton Business Centre’s development coordinator leading a profession team ready to provide a range of comprehensive support services including training, workshops and mentoring to entrepreneurs and business ventures. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Two Fully Subsidised Qualifications for Victorians at Partners In Training Australia In 2023

Reach your training and employment goals with Partners in Training

PARTNERS In Training Australia are excited to advise that the State Government has waived the eligibility criteria relating to ‘upskilling’ for all Australian citizens and permanent residents.

It no longer matters if you hold a Degree, Masters or a qualification at any level - you can enrol now in any of our Certificate III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifications with government funding. All you need is a green Medicare card to access a Skills First subsidised training place with us!

Business development manager, Libby O’Dwyer says, "Our very low course fees start at just $200 for most Certificate level

qualifications and all of our Community Services Diplomas are just $300.

“Education has never been so accessible and affordable to Victorians. With the job market desperate for new workers, especially in the Community Services and Health sectors, I encourage all Victorians to take advantage of this opportunity to train with us in order to advance in your current job and/or to secure a meaningful and rewarding career.

“Each day employers call us looking to recruit our students - we are unable to supply these employers with enough graduates to meet their workforce demands.”

Partners In Training Australia’s nationally

accredited qualifications are in critical skill shortage areas, leading students to in-demand jobs and careers. We deliver training in Early Childhood Education, Community Services, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Education Support, Disability, Aged Care and Nursing (EN).

Victoria’s new funding model will allow our students to begin their learning journey, reskill for a new career or upskill to further career opportunities. We offer our classes one day a week or one evening per week on campus or via zoom if you like the idea of studying from home.

Contact us today to find out more or to

Australia

enrol and book your place at Partner in Training Australia this year. Call us on 1300 664 601 or (03)5821 4877.

Meat your maker: careers at Greenhams

WITH global demand for Australian beef on the rise, and a multi-million-dollar upgrade at their Tongala facility underway, producers like Greenham are always seeking to recruit hardworking and reliable workers to their team.

Greenham is an Australian family-owned meat processing business with three export-accredited facilities. Once completed, their state-of-the-art Tongala facility will create 230 new fulltime jobs, making them one of the biggest employers in the region.

While being upgraded, Greenham Tongala is still operating and there are several skilled and unskilled positions available with an immediate start for the right candidate.

Greenham is currently recruiting full-time roles from labourers to warehouse jobs, from processors to quality assurance.

GROWING ORGANISATION... Greenham is at the forefront of supplying global markets with premium Australian beef. A multi-million-dollar upgrade to expand its Tongala facility will add 240 new full time jobs, but Greenham Tongala are still operating and have numerous skilled and unskilled positions available now. Photo: Supplied

Experience in red meat processing would be beneficial, however, comprehensive training will be provided to all employees.

Greenhams are proud to offer competitive salaries, opportunities to grow, access to training and development, as well as staff discounts on quality meat products.

Scan the QR code on page 26 to explore available jobs, visit greenham.com.au, or call 03 5859 0912 to speak to recruitment.

Greenham is getting bigger, better & is now hiring!

We have invested in a multi-million-dollar upgrade to our Tongala processing facility to keep up with this growing demand. The new state-ofthe-art facility will be completed soon and will create 230 new full-time jobs, making Greenham one of the largest employers in the region.

While upgrade works are underway, Greenham Tongala is still operating, and we have numerous skilled and unskilled positions available with an immediate start for the right candidate!

Greenham is a 100% Australian-owned family business operating in Tongala since 1993.

Traditionally, Greenham Tongala has supplied commodity beef to export markets. However, our

multi-million-dollar upgrade will expand Tongala’s capability to process premium beef brands like our Gippsland and Tasmanian facilities.

We have excellent long-term domestic and export contracts in place, and our premium beef brands are found at leading restaurants and retailers in over 25 countries.

Greenham is now recruiting full-time roles from labourers to warehouse jobs, from processors to quality assurance

Experience in red meat processing would be beneficial, however, comprehensive training will be provided to all employees.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN... Pictured is Partners in Training (PIT) trainer, Glenn Canning, teaching Diploma of Community Services.

Photo: Supplied

SHEPPARTON PROGRAM GUIDE 2023

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care Classroom

One day per week

Thursdays 9.00am-4.00pm

Blended Learning

One day per week Mondays 9.00am-4.00pm

CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support Classroom

One day per week Tuesday or Thursday 9.00am-4.00pm

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Blended Learning

One evening per week

Mondays 5.00am-9.00pm

CHC40221

Certificate IV in Education Support

Blended Learning

One day per week

Friday 9.00am-4.00pm Thursday Evening 5.00pm-9.00pm

CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support

Workplace One day per week Blended Learning One day per week

CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability Blended Learning

One day per week Thursdays 9.00pm-4.00pm

CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure & Health Classroom

One day per week

Thursday 9.00am-4.00pm Blended Learning One day per week Thursday Evening 5.00pm-9.00pm

CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services Classroom

One day per week

Tuesday 9.00am-4.00pm

CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Classroom

One day per week Tuesday 9.00am-4.00pm Blended Learning One day per week

HLT54115

Diploma of Nursing Shepparton Classroom

Commencing in 2023. Contact Campus to book or apply direct Part time One day per week, plus an additional day every third week 9.00am-4.00pm Register now for mid-year intakes To find out more, register for our Shepparton Nursing information session by calling 1300 664 601

CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services Classroom

One day per week

Friday 9.00am-4.00pm

Blended Learning

One day per week Tuesday 9.00am-4.00pm Thursday Evening 5.00pm-9.00pm

CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs Blended One day per week Friday 9.00am-4.00pm

CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health Blended Learning

One day per week Wednesday Evening 5.00pm-9.00pm Classroom One day per week Wednesday 9.00am-4.00pm

CHC60215 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management Blended One day per fortnight 9.00pm-4.00pm

BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Traineeships Only)

Blended One day per 4 weeks Thursdays 9.00am-4.00pm Starts Monthly

We are working in partnership with ASHE for the following qualifications:

QUALITY, PERSONALISED LEARNING

Applications closing soon for youth leaders

YOUNG people interested in learning how they can make a positive impact of the region should consider applying for the first ever Fairley Youth Community Leadership Program.

Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) is partnering with Greater Shepparton City Council to deliver the upcoming program, which has been developed to connect, grow and empower young leaders, and encourage them to explore and develop their leadership skills.

The Fairley Youth Leadership Program provides a great opportunity to a diverse group of young people from the Greater Shepparton region, who are aged 18-25 and who demonstrate a high level of engagement and interest in community leadership.

Successful candidates will be given the chance to:

• Participate in the co-design process for this program

• Build their capacity as emerging leaders of our community

• Connect with and learn from existing community leaders

• Learn the art of advocacy

• Develop an understanding of key community challenges or opportunities

• Consider the opportunity to explore other leadership programs.

The program includes around 10 sessions run from February to June.

Applications close Sunday, January

FAIRLEY YOUTH COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

PARTICIPANT BENEFITS

ABOUT YOU EMPOWERING YOUNG LEADERS...

Goulburn Murray Community Leadership (GMCL) is partnering with Council to deliver the upcoming Fairley Youth Community Leadership Program, designed to connect, grow and empower young leaders.

Applications close Sunday. Photo: Supplied

29. For more information, visit www. goulburnmurraycommunityleadership.

Pursue your dreams and change your life with Free TAFE

WITH more than 40 Free TAFE courses available in a range of career paths, there has never been a better time to enrol at GOTAFE. Gain hands-on experience while you study and learn from industry experienced trainers so you can graduate with job-ready skills.

Chris Lindsay is a manager of a 1,200acre property comprised of vineyards, cattle and boutique accommodation. He enrolled in a Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40116) to help him take the next step in his career and formalise his training. Studying for free was an added bonus.

“I had the fundamentals of farming, but the thing that I’ve found most useful from

The Murray-Darling Medical School funded under the previous Coalition Government is working to address the chronic doctor shortage in our region and will soon see around 30 students graduate in Shepparton each and every year with a medical degree.

Many of these students build strong ties to regional areas and will stay in the Goulburn Valley, serving the local community. This was an amazing win for Nicholls. I’m now focusing on pairing this with the next generation of nurses and allied health professionals for our region. I’m working with the community and lobbying the Albanese Government to provide funding to build a Rural Clinical Health School.

Located in Shepparton and in partnership with Goulburn Valley Health and La Trobe University the school would:

• Offer undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities for more people to take up a career in health

• Provide the people of Nicholls with the health care services they need and deserve by increasing the number of nurses and allied health staff working locally

• A partnership between La Trobe University and Goulburn Valley Health would provide the next generation with more training and employment opportunities in health for decades to come

the course is creating a paper trail and proper documentation,” he said.

“We already talk about safety at work, but now we have implemented a standard operating procedure and we do a proper induction of people,” he added.

Whether you’re considering a career in agriculture, or other in-demand industries such as veterinary nursing, community services, hospitality, early childhood education and care, now is your chance to explore your opportunities and find your passion. Make the most of Free TAFE.

Visit the GOTAFE website and apply now.

GROW YOUR SKILLS WITH FREE TAFE... The number of agriculture businesses is growing in Australia, and 85% of farming income comes from agricultural production. As this sector continues to grow, there will be high demand for qualified, knowledgeable agriculture workers.

Pictured are GOTAFE Agriculture and Horticulture students learning hands-on.

Photo: Supplied

Training costs and available subsidies

BEFORE selecting a course to study, it’s important to find out what fees and other costs you'll have to pay. Training providers can set their own fees, so they'll vary between courses and between providers.

In general, course costs include tuition fees, the costs of books and materials and other fees set by the training provider, for example, student services and amenities fees.

To make it easier to pay for a TAFE or training course, the Victorian Government and the Australian Government offer a range of financial assistance options to eligible students.

Currently, the Victorian Government subsidise some TAFE and training courses. This means it gives money to the training providers that deliver subsidised courses. This is so eligible students can pay less for their training.

Training is subsidised because there is a current or predicted demand for jobs in related industries. It also makes it easier for people to pay for training when they haven't done any study or are finding it difficult to get a job.

If you're eligible for subsidised training, you still pay part of the tuition fee and any other course costs. Fees for the same subsidised course can differ between training providers, so it's worth checking what you need to pay before you enrol.

The Australian Government offers financial assistance for students through Centrelink. These include Youth Allowance if you're 24 or younger and Austudy, an income support payment if you're over 25 and studying full-time.

Training providers also offer concessions on standard tuition fees for Certificate IV level and below courses, for example, if you have a valid concession card, such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

Apprentices and trainees get paid while they are training, and they can also apply for additional financial support from the Australian Government. They may also be eligible for a discount on their car registration, with more information available on the VicRoads website.

On the job training

By Stephanie Holliday

TRAINEESHIPS and apprenticeships combine on the job and formal training for qualifications in a wide range of industries. More than 74,000 people are in an apprenticeship or traineeship in Victoria.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great way to get a head start in your chosen career.

So, what exactly is the difference between the two? Generally, an apprenticeship provides training in a skilled trade, while a traineeship provides training in a vocational area.

At the beginning of an apprenticeship

or traineeship, the employer and an apprentice or trainee enter a training contract, which outlines each party's responsibilities.

As an apprentice or trainee, you combine practical work experience with formal qualifications, giving you the opportunity to earn an income while you learn. In some cases, you also have the flexibility to study full-time or part-time, or you can undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. The qualification you receive at the end of your apprenticeship or traineeship is nationally recognised.

HANDS-ON APPROACH...More than 74,000 people are in an apprenticeship or traineeship in Victoria. Apprenticeships and traineeships are a great way to get a head start in your chosen career. Photo: Supplied

MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET...To make it easier to pay for a TAFE or training course, the Victorian Government and the Australian Government offer a range of financial assistance options to eligible students. Photo: Supplied

Money saved for secondary students and their families

THE Victorian Government has invested $277.5M into senior secondary pathway reforms aimed at building the aspirations and skills of students to meet the needs of the modern economy.

$120.2M of this investment will go directly towards covering the cost of course materials for Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, saving hundreds of extra dollars for Victorian families.

The funding package will also deliver VET courses in industries linked to workforce shortages like building and construction, electrical and auto engineering.

From the start of this school year, the State Government’s investment package will additionally support schools to

improve access to a core offering of priority VET pathways.

It will also provide a new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate, so every senior secondary student can access quality vocational and applied learning through their government school.

State minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins said, "This extra funding will give students better support and flexibility to study what they want to prepare them for the jobs of the future.

“We’re also investing in delivering VET training for jobs in industries that are suffering major workforce shortages to deliver better outcomes for Victorian students and businesses.”

COME WORK WITH US!

About MHA Care

“MHA Care is a not-for-profit organisation providing high quality Home and Community Care Services across the Moira Shire and surrounding districts in both Victoria & New South Wales”

Since commencing in 1999 we have grown to become the largest provider of home care services in Moira Shire and together with our Home Care Package

Program now provide the only comprehensive and coordinated system of community care services for the frail, aged, people with a disability and their carers living in the Moira Shire and surrounds.

MHA prides itself on being a Local not-for-profit organisation with a commitment to delivering quality services and support to our clients.

CARE WORKER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Like most organisations providing services in the Aged Care sector we are currently experiencing significant growth in demand for our services. We have teams based in Yarrawonga, Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia and are in the process of building our Shepparton team to support our expansion into the Shepparton area.

This means we are growing our teams!

MHA Care is an employer of choice. One in which staff are skilled, motivated, valued and supported. Our recruitment and selection is based on our 5 values – Compassion, Transparency, Responsiveness, Accountability and Sustainability.

When you join MHA Care you become a vital part of the team. Our organisation seeks opportunities for growth, development and learning and as a result, our staff are

caring, professional, dedicated and highly skilled in their approach to their work.

MHA Care invites people from all ‘walks of life’ to apply for a Care Worker role. We also encourage new career paths and help support new staff to complete relevant certificate level qualifications in Aged Care. If our 5 values sing to you, and you want to make a difference in the lives of our clients and our community, MHA would love to hear from you.

Contact Us!

If you are interested joining our valuable team of Care Workers and performing this important and valuable work, please visit our website www.mhacare.org.au or send your resume with a covering letter to; hr@mhacare.org.au or call into our office in Orr Street, Yarrawonga for more information.

NEW INVESTMENT FROM STATE GOVERNMENT WILL CUT COSTS FOR

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) SECONDARY STUDENTS...

Beginning this school year, new funding will save VET students and their families significant dollars as well as provide for a new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate to ensure every senior secondary student can access quality vocational and applied learning through their government school. Photo: supplied

Most in-demand careers

ARE you looking to upskill or start a new career where you'll have plenty of opportunities?

The Federal Government released the latest Skills Priority List last August, revealing the industries and roles hit hardest by Australia’s skills shortage.

Based on the Skills Priority List, and data on employment growth and job vacancies, the top 10 in-demand professions over the next five years are:

• Construction managers

• Civil engineering professionals

• Early childhood educators

• Registered nurses

• ICT business and systems analysts

• Software and applications programmers

• Electricians

• Chefs

• Child carers

• Aged and disability carers

According to the report, 31 percent of occupations assessed are in shortage (286 occupations out of 914). The remaining 628 occupations are rated as ‘NS’ (no shortage) at a national level, although some of these occupations are in shortage in some parts of Australia.

The ongoing effects of COVID19, along with the changing economic landscape, have created challenges in many occupations, including those related to health and teaching, and there are ongoing persistent shortages of technician and trade occupations. Shortages are most acute in professional occupations, requiring higher level qualifications and experience, and occupations in the technical and trade sectors.

Forge your own study path

By Stephanie Holliday

FURTHER education is not only for those fresh out of secondary school, people of all ages also embark on study journeys for various reasons, including career development or a change of industry for example.

There are a multitude of study options in Australia, including University, Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, TAFE courses, career-specific courses offered by registered training organisations (RTOs) apprenticeships and even online courses.

The best place to start evaluating a possible career path, and thus your study options, is by investigating what you are interested in. Don’t only think of this in terms of what subjects you may enjoy learning about, but also what you enjoy outside of academic life. Using this list, relate it back to your skills and academic strengths.

Another helpful exercise would be to scour job advertisements, which will include an expectation for the qualifications and skills an ideal candidate would have. From this, you’ll get a sense of what you may want to

pursue academically in order to qualify to work in a particular field.

What course of study you do end up pursuing is not the be all and end all of your education, or the entirety of your career. You will likely experience working in several fields over during your working life, which presents opportunities to develop yourself academically and professionally and ultimately lead to a career you find rewarding.

SO HOT RIGHT NOW... The Federal Government released the latest Skills Priority List last August, revealing the industries and roles hit hardest by Australia’s skills shortage. Based on the Skills Priority List, and data on employment growth and job vacancies, there are 10 exceptionally in-demand professions including those in the hospitality sector. Photo: Supplied