Career options in Australia's $23 billion meat processing industry

Business and innovation in red meat processing will be the hot topics today when Oakey Beef Exports hosts a select number of community members in the surrounding Oakey region, so that they can learn more about the jobs and opportunities the sector has to offer as part of the Australian Meat Processor Corporation’s (AMPC) ‘Meat. Your Future.’ campaign.

The event will highlight the wealth of career options available in the $23 billion meat processing industry with the aim of attracting new employees and improving community perceptions of the red meat processing industry as a whole.

“The red meat processing industry is one of Australia’s largest manufacturers and food exporters,” said Pat Gleeson, general manager at Oakey Beef Exports. “Being able to share an insight into the many rewarding careers available and how we contribute to the local economy is a great opportunity for our community to ‘meat’ our people and understand more about their local industry.”

Established in 1956, Oakey Beef Exports currently employs around 750 people. The plant also engages the services of local businesses and has reinvested an estimated $100 million into expanding the business locally.

Red meat processing has long been a cornerstone of the Australian economy, and for regional centres — where processing plants are often located — the social and economic benefits are enormous. Like Oakey Beef Exports, processing plants tend to be big employers, with plants often engaging local businesses as suppliers, and supporting community organisations and projects through the likes of sponsorship.

According to the AMPC, the red meat processing industry employs 34,000 people across Australia or 135,000 people, including flow-on effects. It is the second largest employer by sector.

“Meat processing is a sector all Australians can be proud of and the opportunities for business, jobs and career advancement can’t be overstated,” Gleeson said. “We welcome parents, teachers, students ... anyone interested in finding out more about red meat processing to ask about what this great industry has to offer.”

To find out more about Oakey Beef Exports, visit www.nh-foods.com.au/facilities/oakey-beef-exports.

For more information about the ‘Meat. Your Future.’ campaign, visit www.ampc.com.au/careers/resources.