Food processor’s workers offered TAFE option

AS poultry and craft foods business Moira Mac’s prepares to relocate its production to Western Australia, one hundred workers put out of a job will have the chance to reskill through Federation TAFE.

Moira Mac’s partnered with education provider to offer free training for its outgoing staff, with the aim of helping them find new jobs in the food processing industry.

The training will focus on resume writing and job search skills while complementing the industry experience already held by workers.

Federation TAFE graduate Debra Tolson said the course helped her make sure her “food production, quality assurance and food safety skills” were sufficient to apply for jobs.

“The course helped to update what I had already been trained to do on the job,” she said. “I was happy to see that no matter what industry you work in, they have a focus on safety.”

According to Federation University pro vice-chancellor Liam Sloan, TAFE courses can be highly beneficial for people looking for a new job, or to upskill themselves.

“Our courses not only give our students the industry skills to work but give them the skills to get a job,” she said.

“TAFE supports employers to keep their staff’s knowledge up-to-date and relevant by developing bespoke courses.”

Moira Mac’s was launched in Bendigo in 1983 and has been operating in the Mayfair Park Estate since 1995.

New Zealand company Hellers, which owns Moira Mac’s, acquired Canon Foods’ Jandakot site in Western Australia last year, where the Bendigo business will be moved to.