Jobs Fair to boost workforce attraction in thriving industry

The Protein Jobs Fair will provide school-leavers, students, and jobseekers the chance to connect with employers directly to discover opportunities and career pathways in the animal agriculture industry.

The event, returning for a second year, will feature an employer expo, panel discussions, interactive presentations, and networking sessions with industry professionals.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Protein Jobs Fair presented a great opportunity to attract and retain skilled workers in the Western Downs and fill industry gaps to further develop the region’s renowned agricultural industry.

“The scale and growth of the protein sector in the Western Downs is staggering: 42% of the national feedlot capacity is located within 200 kilometres of Dalby. The demand for product is increasing, but businesses require workforce expansion to keep pace with growth. The Protein Jobs Fair aims to bridge the gap by connecting jobseekers directly with employers,” he says.

“The Western Downs is a recognised leader in agribusiness, and the agriculture industry is our second largest employer. Council is always keen to explore new opportunities to grow the sector and support this pillar of our strong and diverse economy.”

Council will deliver this event to our region with support of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) and their broad network.

TSBE General Manager for TSBE FLA Justin Heaven said the Jobs Fair is drawing on industry collaboration to showcase some of the amazing career opportunities in the protein sector now and into the future.

“Our hope is to better inform our younger generations and university students about the array of jobs available in the protein sector,” Mr Heaven said.

Mayor McVeigh said leveraging the strong relationship with TSBE opens this event to an even larger audience.

“This event offers the unique opportunity to engage both early career workers and industry professionals, while also showcasing our great liveability, strong economy, quality lifestyle and the people that make our region so desirable.

“The range of careers available through the animal agriculture industry is immense. Everything from production, management, animal science and food processing, to sales, marketing and research will be represented at the Protein Jobs Fair.

“I encourage anyone looking for a career opportunity, or a career change, to attend and discover what this diverse and growing industry can offer.

The Protein Jobs Fair will be held at the Dalby Events Centre on Wednesday 31 August. School sessions will run from 10am to 2pm before a public session from 3pm to 5pm. The day’s full program can be viewed online at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/doing-business/economic-development/business-support/protein-jobs-fair-2022

For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

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