Local employers show their wares at Fonterra Jobs Fair
Thirty businesses, registered training organisations and service providers from across Western Victoria came together on Thursday for a Jobs Fair for the team at Fonterra Dennington, ahead of the factory’s closure at the end of November.
Jointly hosted by Fonterra Dennington and Jobs Victoria, the Fair aimed to connect Dennington team members with local employers searching for new staff.
Fonterra Dennington Site Manager Joel Saywell says that with over half of Fonterra Dennington’s 98 people already deciding their next career move and 17 starting their new jobs, the Fair was a chance for those still pondering their career path to explore the opportunities in the Warrnambool region.
“Making sure our people are supported as they move onto the next chapter of their careers has been our number one priority since the closure was announced, with outplacement support and training provided for people transitioning to new careers,” says Joel.
“The Jobs Fair is another way we’re helping our people find the right role for them.”
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Tony Herbert welcomed attendees to the Fair, noting that it demonstrated the many employment and training opportunities in Warrnambool and surrounds.
“Warrnambool is a wonderful place to live and work, and it’s fantastic to see so many local employers and training providers here hoping to grow their workforce,” says Cr Herbert.
Regional Development Victoria’s Jeff Svigos says the Fair is just one of the ways the Victorian Government’s Jobs Victoria Workers in Transition program can support people through a career change.
“The Jobs Victoria Workers in Transition program provides information, tools, and resources that support both workers and businesses through retrenchment and in identifying new opportunities,” says Jeff.
“The Dennington Jobs Fair is a practical resource that connects workers directly with employers, making it a little less daunting for prospective staff going through the application process.”
As well as meeting with local businesses, team members picked up interview and résumé tips from service providers, and learned about the courses on offer in Warrnambool.
“The connections made and skills learned at the Jobs Fair will have lifelong benefits for our people, which they’ll be able to use far beyond their next career move,” Joel concluded.