Informing Queensland’s training and skills priorities for the meat processing industry

The Meat Processing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce responsible for maintaining the high-quality standards of Australian meat products.

This group brings together subject matter experts, peak bodies, unions, leaders and managers from industry to provide proactive and high-quality advice and insights on current challenges and opportunities in the meat processing industry. The group helps inform and align Queensland’s training and skills priorities, and guides the design of training programs, workforce solutions and government investment settings.

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About the group

Queensland’s meat processing industry, comprising of approximately 15,461 individuals (28.6% of the national total), contributes significantly to the Australian economy, making it crucial to ensure that training reflects current industry and training delivery needs.

The group is a ‘by invitation-only’ expert community that connects respected meat processing stakeholders with a presence in Queensland. The Meat Processing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group informs MSQ’s major workforce investment and Annual Training Plan, and our Industry Skills Advisory Program of work. Through its activities, the group aims to optimise the training system to industry needs, and build and retain a skilled workforce within the meat processing industry in Queensland.

What we discuss

By bringing together experts in meat processing industry, we can collectively achieve more, driving the sustainability and transformation of the manufacturing industry. A future-proofed manufacturing industry is at the heart of our discussion. The Industry Reference Group meets to:

  • Review the effectiveness and suitability of the Queensland Government’s annual investment in Vocational Education and Training (VET) to support skilling, jobs growth, and employment opportunities.
  • Identify evidence of unmet demands, current and emerging trends, and discuss innovative solutions.
  • Inform and contribute to the national VET reform agenda, including the development of training package products.
  • Advocate for quality in training as the stewards of industry.
  • Inform the ongoing program of work for Manufacturing Skills Queensland and our role as part of the Industry Skills Advisory program.

Informing national standards and qualifications

Training packages are a key feature of Australia’s national VET system. The Industry Reference Group supports Manufacturing Skills Queensland provide advice about training and skills opportunities and challenges in relevant training packages.

The work of the Industry Reference Group focuses on the AMP – Australian Meat Processing Training Package

This package covers meat industry qualifications from entry level (certificate II) to graduate diploma for the meat processing, meat retail, smallgoods, game harvesting and food services sectors.

Our members

The Industry Reference Group consists of experts and leaders from employers, employer bodies, and unions, to support a skilled and future-proofed workforce.

David Kassulke

AJ Bush & Sons

Rachel Corcoran

Australian Country Choice

Cheryl Wolens

Australian Meat Industry Council

Lyle Ward

Australian Meat Industry Council

Matt Journeaux

Australian Meat Industry Employees’ Union – Queensland

Amanda Carter

Australian Meat Processor Corporation

Cheyenne Slaats

Biggenden Meat Works

Nerrida Kyle

Bindaree Food Solutions

Kieron Nicholls

Hilton Food Group

Abby Matthews

JBS Australia

John Holcombe

John Dee

Linda Fernando

Kilcoy Global Foods

Mark Wadsworth

MINTRAC

Terry Nolan

Nolan Meats

Key Goh

Nolan Meats

Isabel Malferrari

Oakey Beef

David Matthews

Stanbroke

Gordon Levett

Western Meat Exporters

Warwick Bricknell

Swickers / Sunpork Fresh

Becoming a member

Becoming a member of the Meat Processing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group involves active participation from employers, unions, and peak bodies in the meat processing industry. Representatives from these entities contribute to the group’s initiatives by providing valuable insights, sharing industry-specific strategies, and collaborating on workforce development solutions to meet the evolving needs of the meat processing industry. If you’re interested in becoming a member, contact us.

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Guests and representatives

The Meat Processing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group extends special invitations to guests and representatives to present to the group. These invited guests often include industry experts, government officials, and representatives from educational and training institutions. Presentations cover a wide range of topics, including the latest industry trends, technological advancements, regulatory updates, and innovative workforce solutions. Connect with us to get involved.

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Upcoming meetings

The Industry Reference Group meets at least four times each year. The group may meet in addition to this and by exception where necessary. Meetings are held virtually to enable attendance from across Queensland.

2024 meeting dates:
  • 6 March
  • 29 May
  • 4 September
  • 20 November

Project outcomes

The Industry Reference Group has supported the development of a number of current projects.

Underway
Beef Processing Mentoring

Designed to address sustainability within the meat processing industry by focusing on key areas that have been identified after extensive industry consultation as challenges, namely employee retention, training, and well-being. The multifaceted approach includes an employee integration program, micro-credential training and a wellbeing program.

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Underway
Funding Review: Industry identified priority qualifications

On behalf of industry, the Industry Skills Advisor has submitted an industry proposal to DESBT to recommend the Certificate III in Meat Processing (Slaughtering) be added to the User Choice Funding List at a priority one to assist in addressing skill shortages.

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Underway
Funding Review: Industry identified priority qualifications

On behalf of industry, the Industry Skills Advisor has submitted an industry proposal to DESBT to recommend the Certificate III in Meat Processing (Boning Room) be added to the User Choice Funding List at a priority one.

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Underway
AMP Essential Meat Processing Skills Project

The Industry Skills Advisor has joined the project Technical Committee on behalf of the Meat Processing Industry Reference Group, ensuring Queensland’s meat processing employers are engaged as part of the project’s consultation strategy. This project is the second stage of a broader project to review the entire AMP Training Package and will focus on the essential skills in the certificate II level qualifications, which support accredited training pathways for new entrants.

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Completed
Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Quality Assurance)

Working with industry and DESBT, we had the qualification declared as a traineeship to be delivered in Queensland and added to the user choice list, so more workers are eligible for funding to undertake this qualification.

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Completed
Queensland Beef Stakeholder Toolkits project

This project developed toolkits that will help attract new employees to the industry. These toolkits are free for industry use and are available for download on the Queensland Beef website.

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Become a group member, join us as a guest, or attend an event

If you want to join this group, attend as a guest, or register to attend our engagement event series, please fill out the form to submit your interest.

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About the program

The Meat Processing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group is coordinated by Manufacturing Skills Queensland through the Industry Skills Advisory program.

The Industry Skills Advisory program is an initiative of the Queensland Government, designed to support employer, small business and industry connect and engage with the training sector, government programs and investment.

The Industry Skills Advisory program is funded by the Queensland Government as part of Skills for Queensland – Great training for quality jobs.

QLD Queensland