Thomas Foods Job Fair a Huge Success
Last Friday’s job fair hosted by Thomas Foods International (TFI) has been hailed a huge success by the executives that came to Bourke to talk to locals interested in taking on employment at the company’s new North Bourke Abattoir.
About thirty people from all walks of life and ages attended the lunchtime information session at the Bourke Bowling Club.
TFI company representatives included National Recruitment Manager, Morna Young, Group Operations Manager, Bill Adcock, the new Plant Manager Rhubin Reti and the new Recruitment and Training Manager, Su Lavery.
A group from Bourke High School were there to hear about training and careers.
Bourke High School Careers Advisor, Anna McCorkle, said it was a great opportunity for the students and their future employment.
“The staff at Bourke High School, are hoping to work with Thomas Foods International on some of our school-based learning programs for students”, Mrs McCorkle said.
“Those programs could include work placement or work experience opportunities and perhaps some school-based traineeship opportunities through Vocational Education Training.
“We also want to look at how we can support our students through the recruitment program.
“It is going to be great to have another large-scale employer in town,” Mrs McCorkle said.
Local Recruitment and Training Manager, Su Lavery, who has moved to Bourke from the company’s Lobethal facility in the Adelaide Hills, said she is looking forward to becoming part of the community.
“I have been the training coordinator at Lobethal for the last eight months, and I feel very fortunate to be given this opportunity to come to Bourke,” Ms Lavery said.
“Starting something new and building a great crew and team from the ground up will be very exciting.”
Group Operations Manager, Bill Adcock, said he is pleased with the progress at the plant.
“We have two guys from Ireland here commissioning the plant, and over the last two days everything they turned on actually worked - they were really surprised!” Mr Adcock said.
“I think they thought there would be weeds growing in the chains and bushes hanging from the ceiling.
“To the credit of those looking after the plant such as Edward “Burger” Johnson it all started up well.
“We have to finalise our services like gas, ammonia, and water, and we have to run an efficient and hygienic establishment – and we aim to run a world class facility.
Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.
To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!