Fair to beef up staff

A BOOMING industry that is responsible for 42 per cent of the national feedlot capacity within 200km of Dalby is struggling to find workers, but a new initiative aims to fill the gap.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise will host the inaugural Protein Jobs Fair in partnership with Western Downs Regional Council on September 16.

TSBE general manager Bruce McConnel said the jobs fair would aim to give jobseekers a valuable insight into the industry, and graduate positions, apprenticeships, traineeships and entry-level jobs were on offer.

“A career in the protein sector can be so rewarding, so it’s important we give the next generation a real taste of what it’s like,” Mr McConnel said.

“The Western Downs is a powerhouse for agriculture, so providing these pathways to school leavers and university graduates is also helping ensure a prosperous future.”

Each year more than 200,000 cattle are sold through the Dalby Regional Saleyards (pictured), making it the largest same-day prime and store cattle yards in the country.

Stockyard beef managing director Lachie Hart said there were a variety of career opportunities available in the protein sector for those keen to attend the fair at the Dalby Events Centre.

“For us it’s all about local jobs. We’re a growing business and we’re desperately looking for new jobs coming into our business,” Mr Hart said.

“We’re looking for data analysts, we’re looking for engineers and marketing people with communications skills.”