The program provides training and support to retain employment past the summer picking season.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said this year’s harvest would need workers of all skill sets.
“It’s hands on healthy work, most skills can be learnt on the job, some require extra training which we are willing to support and there’s various opportunities in the region to keep those skilled labourers working all year-round,” she said.
Established last year as Pick Shepp, Fruit Growers Victoria secured an additional $500,000 from Regional Development Victoria to expand Pick GV to the Goulburn Valley.
“Being the food bowl of Australia, there is work available all year-round in our region with opportunities to learn new skills and create exciting career pathways,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
Greater Shepparton is one of the largest food producing regions in Australia, growing 86 per cent of Australia’s pears, 70 per cent of peaches, 49 per cent of plums, 80 per cent of kiwi fruit and 42 per cent of apples and supplying up to 25 per cent of Victoria’s dairy.
“The jobs available range from fruit picking in the field, pruning and thinning trees, driving tractors and machinery and packing fruit in the sheds,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“If a jobseeker can master these tasks they are almost guaranteed ongoing farm work as they have proven their abilities and shown they have the right work ethic for employers. This often leads to supervisory roles on orchards.”
Last year, the initial Pick Shepp program saw close to 100 jobseekers provided with farm work and mentorships and nearly 30 per cent of those continued working on farms past the summer season.
Pick GV registrations are open until March 2022.
For information regarding the Pick GV program and to register your interest, please visit www.pickgv.com.au
The campaign is organised by Greater Shepparton City Council, Cobram District Fruit Growers Association and Fruit Growers Victoria.
8°C