‘Meat. Your Career.’ to fill employment gaps and keep red meat processing industry susta

With more than 100 career paths to choose from and the growing need to plan human resources to keep the $23 billion red meat processing industry sustainable, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) today announced an extension of the ‘Meat. Your Future.’ campaign, titled ‘Meat. Your Career.’
Employing around 34,000 people1, red meat processing is the second largest employer by sector and the nation’s largest food product manufacturing industry, exporting to 86 countries around the world. In order to meet future staffing needs ‘Meat. Your Career.’ aims to attract a variety of workers including school leavers, TAFE, university and college students, residents of rural communities and migrants.
“‘Meat. Your Career.’ is an important project for us as many people wouldn’t know about the benefits of working in the red meat processing industry,” said AMPC Chairman, Mr Peter Noble. “It’s a dynamic industry that offers diversity and innovation, where employees can continue to earn whilst they learn – how many other successful industries can offer that?”
Additional career benefits in red meat processing include: flexible working hours to accommodate family commitments and an enjoyable lifestyle; transferrable skills that allow employees to work across Australia and overseas; the opportunity to work with like-minded people from varying cultures; and continuous on-the-job training. There are a lot of factors that go into creating a strong meat processing industry. There’s the information technology systems, the science, animal welfare, human resources, engineering, quality assurance, occupational health and safety and many more aspects that contribute to the success of red meat processing. According to the National Meat Industry Training Advisory Council Limited (MINTRAC), Australia has approximately 300 abattoirs with a predominantly young workforce. Around half of all workers are younger than 35. Mr Peter Noble said there are many paths people can take to a successful career within the industry. Whether it is via an apprenticeship, TAFE certificates, university degrees, college diplomas, job boards or even applying for an entry level job at a processing plant, once you’re in, you’re on the right path.
Whilst there is the need to employ staff for general entry-level roles, the industry employs a number of people from backgrounds not typically associated with meat processing. Mr Peter Noble says that if you have an open mind and the right attitude, you don’t necessarily need formal qualifications to set yourself up for a successful career in the sector.
For more information about current opportunities for meat processing workers, visit www.ampc.com.au/resources/careers and connect with the AMPC via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
1 The industry directly employs 34,000 people, making it the 2nd largest employer by sector however it employs 135,000 people, including flow on effects. SOURCE: Feast of Ideas Report. Industry Snapshot infographic (Page 5).
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About the Australian Meat Processor Corporation
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is the national research and development organisation that represents the red meat processing industry throughout Australia. AMPC’s mandate is to support research, development and extension initiatives that are directed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of the meat processing industry.
AMPC responds to member needs, and advocates on behalf of members to promote the value of the industry nationally and internationally, developing collaborative networks and relationships, and harnessing the world’s best ideas and skills.

Sonia Morris