By Laura Michell
The next generation of horticulture workers are set to be trained in Mernda.
Mushroom growers, Costa Group, and Melbourne Polytechnic have received a $1.6 million grant from the state government to run a virtual picking training program.
The training program will use virtual technology to help mushroom, salad and field vegetable workers experience working in the field to help get them job ready.
The project will focus on increasing productivity by reducing worker turnover and workplace injuries, improving safety and reducing product waste.
It will be funded by the government’s Workforce Training Innovation Fund which aims to deliver training in response to industry-led demand for specific skills not being adequately met by the current training market.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria and Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the training program would be a core curriculum for field workers across the horticulture industry.
She said the innovative project would play a key role in ensuring workers have the skills they need to support Victoria’s growing horticulture sector.
“This project is yet another example of the work we’re doing to give all Victorians access to the training they need to get a job,” she said.
