Of dozens of entry-level roles available at Fletcher International Exports in Dubbo, university graduates can participate in a one-year agribusiness cadet program, learning all aspects of the meat processing or grain handling plants.

Thomas Jackson is a current recipient of the cadetship who joined the company in January this year, following 12-months jackarooing in the top end, and holding an agribusiness degree from the University of New England in Armidale.

“I did a Bachelor of Agriculture and majored in animal production, which is mainly breeding and property management, but I also studied meat technology and a few business units to broaden my education,” Thomas told Dubbo Photo News.

“It was at a careers day at university where I met Sam White from Fletchers’ export office, and I got talking to him about the cadet program, and it sounded like quite a good gig, so I thought I’d come and give it a go.”

Thomas started at Fletchers working three weeks in cold fabrication, two weeks in the frozen load out and is currently doing logistics in the grain terminal.

“After I jump around to different areas, I think they’ll ask me what I enjoyed the most and give me the chance to pick where I want to go, but they’ll also talk to me about where they think I performed the best and discuss what I’m best suited too, so we’ll make a plan from there.”

Thomas has long been on a path toward an agribusiness career, having grown up on a small family farm between Narromine and Dubbo, and spending most of his life involved in the work of breeding animals.

“Being at Fletchers gives me the chance to see the other side of it all, and the finished product and to be involved with the business aspect of sending or exporting the meat away. My goal is to end up in export sales.”

Achieving that goal is a real possibility as Fletchers are renowned for giving employees across the business, opportunities to excel and progress in their chosen field.

“Fletchers are very clear on your ability to progress through the business, and if you’re willing to put in the effort, there’s a clear line for you to develop and improve and become a bigger part of the business, it’s all dependent on how much you’re willing to put in, as to how much you’ll get back,” Thomas said.

The former Kinross Wolaroi, Orange student has found that staff and colleagues are very friendly and if he has had questions or queries there’s always someone willing to help.

“I think that’s because it’s still a family run business, the Fletchers are still very involved in everything, they’re in the office daily and I think that plays a huge part of keeping it all welcoming.

To find out more about the Agribusiness Cadet Program at Fletchers International Exports call 68013100.