By Jessica Micallef
A Woodend trailer business has been recognised as an industry leader.
Manufacturer Barker Trailers was awarded the Workforce Skills Development Award at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards earlier this month.
Barker Trailers chief executive Simon Meadows said he was delighted with the award.
“Barker Trailers are honoured to be recognised for its positive and continual impact in workforce development,” he said.
“People, culture and skill development is a vital part of our business and a key driver in all company decisions, as these areas align so intrinsically to our company goals and values.”
Barker Trailers has been operating in Woodend since 1974, providing customised semi-trailers for the road transport industry.
It has close to 200 employees across its two sites in Woodend and Maryborough.
Last year the business secured more than $230,000 for a regional workforce development project through the state government’s Regional Skills Fund.
The project enabled Barker Trailers to train 180 employees across the company’s manufacturing facilities at Woodend and create six new full-time jobs.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated Barker Trailers on its achievement.
“Significant regional employers like Barker Trailers are supporting the local economy by driving innovation and through their commitment to developing and upskilling local workers,” she said.
“Barker are heavily committed to investing in local people and it’s fantastic to see them recognised as an industry leader for their work to enhance jobs and skills.”
