Advance Rockhampton all class with training initiative

Published on 09 July 2018

Rockhampton Regional Council continues to lure overseas programs as part of its commitment to raising the Region’s profile in international education.

An MOU was signed late last year between Rockhampton Regional Council, Teys Brothers, HRD Korea and Smart Education and Training Australia to see Korean students undertake work experience in the local Rockhampton abattoir for a Certificate II in Meat Processing and on-the-job training for 12 months.

This week, Teys will welcome a second group of nine trainees following a successful first intake in January.

The Korean Government funded program, K-Move, sends around 500 students to Australia annually, pumping $30 million into the economy.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said securing the program was a result of Advance Rockhampton’s collaboration with Teys and forging new connections with international programs that traditionally sent students to the capital cities instead of the regions.

“Typically, programs like this will send students directly to Sydney or Brisbane, so we are thrilled to have our share and be recognised as a place that offers excellence in training. I am confident the trainees will have an incredible learning experience, particularly under the reputable management of Teys,” Mayor Strelow said.  

“There really is no better place to gain work experience in the beef industry other than the Beef Capital of Australia itself.

“Once again, I commend our Economic Development team Advance Rockhampton for their significant efforts to improve our readiness for international education and to promote Rockhampton as a study destination.”

Teys General Manager Wasantha Mudannayake said the trainees are a great addition to the workforce and said they will be able to transfer valuable skills into the industry in Australia and back home.

“Teys prides itself on investing in people from different backgrounds, so we are proud to welcome the students from Korea who add to our cultural diversity and present business opportunities for Rockhampton,” Mr Mudannayake said.  

Mr Mudannayake said the company is preparing to also employ more locals to support anticipated growth in 2019.

“Earlier this year Teys employed a number of local school leavers and later this year we will be looking to employ in excess of 200 skilled and unskilled workers as we ramp up operations for what we believe will be a busy year ahead.”

A third intake of Korean students is expected to arrive in December.