The Victorian Government has announced a plan to get disadvantaged workers into the state’s horticulture industry by recruiting and training 100 green-thumbed people looking to work in nurseries and commercial gardens.
Minister for Employment, Ben Carroll today visited Fleming’s Nursery in Monbulk to officially open applications for the $1.9 million Jobs Victoria Nursery Workforce Project, which will place people into roles including retail assistants, truck drivers, process workers and production line assistants.
“We’re backing people who may be struggling to find work to get the skills and experience they need to work in our nursery and garden industry,” said Minister Carroll.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting a stable, flexible job that will set them up for a rewarding career.”
Fleming’s Nurseries General Manager, Daniel Jansen said the family-run business was proud to be part of the inclusive employment program and welcomes support from Jobs Victoria to find the staff they need.
“As a family-owned and operated business with a great culture, our local community is very important to us and we’re proud to be part of a program that supports people who are finding it difficult to get into a job,” Mr Jansen said.
As one of Australia’s largest wholesale nurseries for fruit and ornamental trees, he said Fleming’s Nurseries offers good long-term career prospects and plans to create five new jobs for people to work as nursery hands and dispatch workers through the program.
These ‘earn and learn’ roles provide workers with both pre-employment and on-the-job training, boosting skills and creating an inclusive workforce community.
Horticulture is an important part of Victoria’s economy, generating $2.5 billion annually and employing more than 24,000 people. With 75% of businesses in the industry looking to expand, this program will help strengthen the skilled workforce pipeline, said Minister Carroll.
The Jobs Victoria program is being delivered in partnership with Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria. Jobs will be mostly based in east and southeast Melbourne but there will also be some roles in regional Victoria.
This program will prioritise jobs for people who need additional support to find work, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people, women over 45, and people who are long-term unemployed.
Recruits will have guaranteed work for 12 months, and receive pre-employment and on-the-job training, mentoring support and a workplace buddy. There may also be opportunities to undertake free and formal qualifications.
For more information visit www.jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
