By Renee Wood
A Yarra Glen butcher is providing local teenagers with employment by creating a business model that supports young casual workers.
Viande owner Matt Fraser said after struggling to find apprentices, he carved out a way to support keen young staff.
“Normally you would have a couple of other apprentice chefs or apprentice butchers to do the work during the day, whereas I’ve changed my business model so we do it all in the afternoons and on the weekend. So I can utilise them and they get the hours and I get the help,” Mr Fraser said.
The young workers are gaining skills across a variety of areas including, butchery, customer service and hospitality.
“They do all types of work and they’re learning all sorts of different things like amazing skills in butchery and chef work because we do a lot of cooking here as well.”
Working as an essential worker is also providing the secondary students an escape from the house after a day of remote learning,
“They’re getting out, they’re interacting, they’re going away from home, they’re busy and earning money, so it’s really good.
Currently 18 employees work within the butcher, after opening in February this year.
The team also helps put together care packages for families in the area who are doing it tough from the pandemic’s affects.
“I’ve even been in tears myself over last couple of months because it’s just tragic what’s going on out there.
“I first offered it to a ladies brother who lost his business and house and that’s where it all began. Then I started advertising on Facebook for people to nominate someone in need.”
The butcher plans to continue supporting the community and young workers when he opens up a new store in Healesville at site of ‘The Beef Joint’.
“I have already started looking for local kids to work there. Candice, she’s working for me now who worked at that shop, she’ll go back there as well.”
