Skills to lift a Wangaratta workforce

Training program to help tackle shortages

Written by SALLY EVANS. - Wangaratta Chronicle

ONE of Wangaratta’s major employers is tackling skill shortages head on by launching its own total training program.

Burder Industries has received $50,000 in State Government funding to support a $75,000 training package involving all 60 workers at the local steel manufacturing plant.

The Skills for Growth grant follows increased production at Burder Industries, which includes front-end loaders and folklifts, and a severe shortage of skilled workers across Australia.

"Last year our outputs increased by 74 per cent on a 20 per cent staff increase," company general manager, Adam Fendyk, said.

"Finding that extra 20 per cent (of skilled workers) was tough."

Mr Fendyk hoped the new program would help recruit and retain skilled workers, and make operations at the company more efficient.

He said the company was under threat from foreign imports, particularly from Korea and Europe, and it was the intention of the training program to deliver a more competitive product.

For existing workers, Mr Fendyk said the initiative would provide career development, better participation in the workplace and improved understanding of workplace roles and responsibilities.

Kaye Darveniza (MLC, Northern Victoria) welcomed the training program as a win for jobs and investment in the rural city.

"The company’s long-term mission is to replace Korean and European imported agricultural machinery with its own Australian-made versions," she said.

"Burder will train its entire staff in lean manufacturing practices which will boost skills, productivity and long-term job security.

"This is fantastic news for the company and for Wangaratta."