Jef Thomson careers day

JefTomson provides a unique career industry tour for more than 70 students and 20 staff.

On Thursday students from six Shepparton schools enjoyed an access- all-areas tour of three sites owned by large scale local fruit growers and packers JefTomson.  

Wanganui Park Secondary College, Shepparton High School, McGuire College, Mooroopna Secondary College, Shepparton Flexible Learning Centre and Mcauley Champagnat Program (MCP) students took part in the tour that showcased the array of careers required within the business across orchards, storage and packing facilities as well as the transport and logistics roles required within the vertically integrated company.  

JefTomson is the fourth biggest employer within the Greater Shepparton Region.  The Industry tour organised through the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project was designed to show the range of jobs from apprenticeships through to managerial positions within the organisation. 

Lighthouse Executive Officer, Lisa McKenzie, said from a large scale community consultation undertaken in 2018 by the organisation (1000 conversations) it was apparent there was a large disconnect between students understanding of local jobs and career pathways available to them within Greater Shepparton. 

“Through our work in schools, and, in particular through the successful and established local Industry Links program we are systematically addressing this disconnect,’’ said Ms McKenzie. 

“There are growing opportunities within the agricultural and supporting industries within our region and last week’s announcement of significant government investment in a new state of the art plant at jefTomson, along with the creation of another 1000 jobs, further supports the need to link our young people directly to these future opportunities,’’ Ms McKenzie said.  

Bisi Oladele who is the Technical Manager at JefTomson and helped organise the tour said one of the main learnings from her recent Nuffield travel (supported by William Buckland Foundation) is the importance of industry collaboration with the future workforce. 

“In this case this has been initiated and well-co-ordinated by Lighthouse, she said.” 

Release ends.