By Tyler Wright
Monbulk’s Fleming’s Nurseries is looking to take on five new staff members as part of the state government’s Jobs Victoria Nursery Workforce Project.
The opening of applications for the $1.9 million program was announced on Tuesday 4 April at the fourth generation family-owned wholesale business.
The project will see people placed into roles including retail assistants, truck drivers, process workers and production line assistants.
For Fleming’s Nurseries, successful applicants will step into entry level positions as part of the dispatch team or as a nursery hand.
“We found it difficult to find staff over the last couple of years; firstly Covid, and secondly, the post-Covid workforce seems to be quite limited at the moment,” Fleming’s Nurseries’ general manager Daniel Jansen said.
“For us, it’s about attracting people that want to work in the nursery industry and giving them a start in their horticultural career.
“What we can provide for people is long term job security and career progression…just because someone starts as a nursery hand doesn’t mean that that’s where they finish.”
As one of the larger nurseries in the country, Mr Jansen said Fleming’s offers the opportunity for a life-long career in roles including supervisor, manager or related roles in agronomy and inventory control.
“What we’re looking for in a person is the right attitude, a willingness to learn and the ability to undertake physical work…we will teach them everything that they need to know,” he said.
The Jobs Victoria Nursery Workforce Project will provide workers with both pre-employment and on-the-job training in an attempt to boost skills and create an inclusive workforce community.
Recruits are guaranteed work for 12 months, receiving pre-employment and on-the-job training, mentoring support and a workplace buddy.
The program will also prioritise jobs for people needing additional support to find work; including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people, women over 45 and those who are long-term unemployed.
There may also be opportunities to undertake free and formal qualifications.
Minister for Employment Ben Carroll said the government is supporting people who might be struggling to find work and get the skills needed to work in the nursery and garden industry.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting a stable, flexible job that will set them up for a rewarding career,” Mr Carroll said.
Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said the program will “create more jobs, more upskilling opportunities and more economic benefits for our community”.
For more information, visit www.jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
