In a significant step towards addressing labour shortages in the Australian red meat processing industry, representatives from the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), Teys Australia, and Response Consulting APAC recently travelled to Vietnam.
The visit is part of an innovative research program aimed at developing a recruitment pathway and training program for future workers in the Australian red meat processing industry.
The core of the initiative is the establishment of an industry-led ‘meat school’ in Vietnam. This facility will focus on equipping future employees with essential skills to thrive in the Australian red meat processing environment. The program will provide training in basic English language, meat processing techniques, and Australian Work Health and Safety (WH&S) standards.
AMPC Program Manager Amanda Carter highlighted the improtance of this initiative, “AMPC has invested in this research to support the development of a framework for an ethical and transparent pathway for recruiting workers out of South-East Asia. Vietnam was identified as pilot for this program, with a target of 100 workers undergoing intensive training.”
During the visit, the team toured the training facility, met with the first four program graduates, and engaged with key stakeholders, including the Consulate-General, Deputy Consulate, and representatives from the Department of Home Affairs. This engagement was crucial to brief them on the program and align it with Australian government requirements.
Teys Australia along with Response Consulting APAC, the Australian Meat School and SanHa Foods in Vietnam have collaborated on the development of this skilled worker pathway. The pathway is designed in accordance with the AMPC Voluntary Code of Conduct for the Employment of Migrant Workers and aligns with Australian government requirements.
Teys Australia Group General Manager Operations Lachlan Teys emphasised the impact of this initiative, “Teys invests heavily in recruiting locally; however, it is operationally necessary that we recruit skilled workers from a diverse range of backgrounds to help address the labour and skill shortages in Australia.”
“This innovative training approach will improve job-skill alignment, job satisfaction, and retention, ultimately supporting our operational capacity and productivity which will lead to a more sustainable red meat processing industry.”
Amanda Carter added, “If successful, this training model could be replicated across other Australian plants and overseas regions, leading to widespread benefits across the entire red meat supply chain.”
For more information about the research, contact AMPC Program Manager Amanda Carter at a.carter@ampc.com.au