BOOTS ON THE GROUND

CANEGROWERS districts are proactively employing a variety of initiatives to attract workers ahead of the upcoming harvest and into the future.

As the start of the 2023 crush creeps closer, industry leaders have gone into overdrive in the quest to ensure roles for seasonal workers are filled.

Last month, both matureage jobseekers and local students came through the doors of CANEGROWERS Innisfail for the Careers in Sugar Expo.

The Expo, a one-stop-shop for those interested in a career in the industry, was led by a team from MSF Sugar, in partnership with CANEGROWERS and supported by industry bodies and training organisations.

Production Manager of South Johnstone Mill Ian Davis, said there was a focus not only on securing seasonal workers, but delivering work experience and apprenticeship opportunituies to futureproof the workforce.

“The sugar industry is struggling to recruit and keep people,” he said.

One of the key areas of opportunity is school students.

“By having a day set aside, the industry is able to sell its opportunities to both school leavers and jobseekers.”

Students from three schools toured the Australian Sugar Industry Museum, guided by museum chairman and CANEGROWERS Innisfail Deputy Chair, Sam Spina Innisfail’s grower services manager Debra Telford was among leaders to address both the students and mature-age jobseekers.

“A careers day opens the door for locals to come and have a look,” Ian said.

“There was a lot of interest both from the schools and jobseekers. The feedback from all was positive and the intention is to make this an ongoing annual event.”

The event’s success was impressive with 18 students applying for work experience at South Johnstone Mill, most of which will be placed in production or engineering positions, with apprentice intakes begining in August.

13 mature-age jobseekers applied to work in seasonal roles in the cane supply area at the mill, while eight handed in applications for work in production and 10 expressions of interest for work on farms, including in harvesting teams.

In the Mackay district, new harvest workers are again receiving the opportunity to learn before they earn.

A grower-led RTO-backed Haulout Driver training course is being advertised to attract people from out of town, new to the cane industry.

20 participants will be selected to take part in two four-day courses in May, run by highly experienced grower-trainers. CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg said

MEET ANGELA

Image and words provided by DAF.

Angela, pictured above, never saw herself becoming a haul-out truck driver, but after a leap of faith she has become a valued team member for one of Mackay district’s sugar cane harvesting contractors.

Inspired by a trip to Cape York, Angela registered her interest in working in the cane industry and made the move to join a rural harvesting crew. The harvesting contractor business provided accommodation for her (and her best mate and travelling companion Dave the dog), since accommodation was hard to secure.

At first, the idea of living in a small town was a bit nervewracking but it’s given Angela (and Dave) the opportunity to explore the local beaches, fishing and crabbing spots and creeks.