Bendigo talent exports around the globe

A Bendigo manufacturing business employing and developing local staff is taking its products to the world, and CVGT Australia is playing a key role in this success story.

Owner Matt is employing three staff provided by CVGT Australia’s Disability Employment Services team in Bendigo.

His business, BakeMate, manufactures custom bakery equipment, including meat pie machines that are distributed to countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa and Malaysia.

After recently relocating to Bendigo, Matt needed staff and contacted CVGT Australia.

“We called a few employment agencies and CVGT was the most helpful,” he says. “They managed to actually find people to come in and work – that’s the big one.”

One of those staff is Trevor – a fitter and turner by trade who served in the Army before suffering serious leg injuries in a motorcycle accident more than 20 years ago and struggling with his health.

“CVGT have been nothing but fantastic,” he says. “Matt’s an unbelievable boss – probably the best boss I’ve ever had in my life. I’m happy and couldn’t ask for a better job, really.”

Trevor’s colleague Cody is a recent addition to the business, working eight hours a week as a labourer.

“It’s probably the best working environment I’ve been in for a while,” he says. “I’ve had more opportunities through CVGT than my previous agency. I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”

CVGT Australia employment consultant Lorinne says she’s seen positive changes in both Trevor and Cody since they started working with Matt at BakeMate.

“Matt made contact with CVGT and he was really open to employing people with disabilities if they were capable and had the right qualifications,” she says.

“Full credit to Matt – he’s been very patient. He’s a great boss.”

For Matt, taking a patient approach is something he would recommend to other businesses considering employing people with disabilities.

“I’ll support anyone,” he says. “I’ve got a brother with a disability, so I know how hard it can be to get work.

“CVGT have been in contact throughout the whole process and if we’ve needed someone new or wanted to get support for the workers they’ve stepped up and helped out as much as they can.”

If you would like to learn more about Disability Employment Services or any of CVGT Australia’s job programs, contact us here or call 132 848.