New program connects ag businesses with employees

The AgFood Connect program is helping connect agricultural and food industry businesses with suitable employees.

DGT Employment and Training CEO Kris McCue.

TO ASSIST businesses through the impacts of COVID-19, DGT Employment and Training has created the AgFood Connect aiming to make it easier for businesses in the food and agribusiness industry and supply chain to source, recruit and employ skilled employees.

The project will operate throughout southern and central Queensland and will include entry-level staff, apprentices, and trainees.

DGT CEO, Kris McCue said there were many people looking for work, and businesses in the food and agribusiness industries were inundated with applications.

“AgFood Connect takes pressure off businesses by performing the screening and recruitment processes and ensuring potential recruits have the right skills for a particular job,” Mr McCue said.

“It will reduce risk for employers and drive down recruitment costs and effort.

“The program brings together DGT’s employment and training expertise and experience to give business quick access to a skilled workforce and suitable candidates who can hit the ground running and be productive very quickly.”

AgFood Connect is a collaboration of the expertise and industry knowledge of a number of different organisations including Growcom, Golden West Apprenticeships, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, and local councils across the region.

TSBE Food Leaders Australia general manager, Bruce McConnel said Food Leaders Australia were very proud to be supporting this program which links businesses to workers.

“I encourage employers to get on board with this to assist in building the workforce of the future,” Mr McConnel said.

Funding has been provided by the Federal Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment through the Youth Jobs PaTH Industry Pilot initiative.

To register for the project please visit www.agfoodconnect.com.au or contact DGT on 1300 010 185.