Costa’s berry harvest has kicked off across its farms in the North-West, with the harvest workforce expected to peak at around 2000 people over the season.
Recruitment is already under way for local employees, with positions available across harvest operations from picking and packing to transport and logistics.
Rohan Kile, Costa Berries Regional Manager, said the season was looking promising, with the peak expected to be in January and February.
“We continue to offer a range of employment opportunities for local employees, both short and long-term,” he said.
Cameron Welsh, who has just completed Year 12, is just starting his fourth season working in the Costa Distribution Centre.
“I started working here when I was 15, working over the summer holidays and on weekends. I can get a lot of hours, it’s well paid and it’s also flexible. I have recommended it to some of my friends who are also working here now,” he said.
Cameron who recently got his forklift ticket, said he was using this season to consider his future career options, including either attending university or continuing work with Costa.
In addition to local employees, Costa also recruits seasonal workers through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and working holiday makers (backpackers), who are returning in greater numbers.
Mr Kile said many of the people from the PALM workforce have worked multiple seasons in Tasmania and the team was looking forward to welcoming them back into the community.
“For our seasonal workers through the PALM scheme, we have people coming a number of Pacific Island nations. These groups are accommodated in various houses and larger accommodation facilities, including previous hotel accommodation in East Devonport.”
Costa also has a transfer program in place, which supports people who are working on other Costa berry farms on the mainland to travel to Tasmania for the summer harvest.
