Frew Group wins SWTAFE industry award

STAWELL’S Frew Group has been awarded for its commitment to education at South West TAFE’s graduation ceremony on March 15.

Each year, South West TAFE recognises an organisation or business which has helped to develop programs and strategies that meet the needs of regional industries.

South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said he was delighted to this year recognise the Frew Group and the strong partnership that had been formed between the two organisations.

Mr. Fidge said training started in Stawell with the Frew Group 17 years ago and it had continued to expand over the years.

“We are currently training about 120 employees with numbers continuing to increase as the plant expands,” he said.

Mr. Fidge said the opportunity to partner with the Frew Group is something that the organisation is extremely proud of.  South West TAFE strives to educate staff to add real value to the ongoing success of any organisation.

“Training is focused on the Certificate II and III in Meat Processing Food Services and the Certificate IV in Meat Safety and Meat Inspection.  Our trainer, Mick McCartney has been fundamental in the success of our relationship with the Frew Group and much of the credit for this success must go to him,” he said.

South West TAFE Food, Fibre, Land and Trades manager Paul Meredith said the major benefit of the training program was that employees were given great access to the SWTAFE trainer, Mick McCartney, who was located on site.

“We have shown a commitment to the Frew Group by providing a fully-equipped training room on site.

“The Frew Group has also worked with us to enable access to the plant and workers as required so they can complete their assessments in a timely manner,” he said.

Frew Group Human Resources Manager Darren Weavell said it was great to receive recognition for the partnership between the two organisations which had been in place since 2001.

“It is so beneficial to have a trainer on site which enables our workforce to have access five days a week to training,” he said.

Mr. Weavell said the training provided was nationally recognised, which benefited the company with the tendering process and in future markets.

The graduation ceremony also recognised South West TAFE’s outstanding students and 2017 graduating students.