Beyond experience: building a workforce that can keep pace with modern meat processing

Recent industry commentary has reinforced something many processors already know: experience remains essential in red meat processing - but on its own, it is no longer enough.

As recent commentary published in Beef Central noted:

“Our industry has incredibly knowledgeable people that we trust. But, when they leave, the decision-making process often becomes exposed to risk.” — James Hennessy, Foods Connected (Beef Central, April 2026).

Across Australia, processing environments are becoming faster, more complex, and increasingly interconnected. Decision-making roles, particularly in planning, production and coordination, now require not only deep operational knowledge, but the ability to interpret data, respond to variability, and work across functions in real time.

From a workforce development perspective, this is not simply a “skills shortage.” It is a shift in the type of capability the industry needs.

At MINTRAC, we are seeing three consistent themes emerge.

First, knowledge can no longer sit with individuals alone.
Historically, experience has been built over years on plant and transferred informally. While this remains valuable, the risk profile for businesses increases when critical decision-making relies too heavily on tacit knowledge. Structured training, documented processes, and accessible learning pathways are becoming essential to support consistency and continuity.

Second, the role of data is changing how work is performed.
Data is not replacing people; it is changing how they make decisions. Workers increasingly need the confidence and capability to interpret information, validate assumptions, and act with greater speed and clarity. This requires training that goes beyond task competency and supports decision-making capability.

Third, career pathways must reflect a broader skillset.
The industry is expanding beyond traditional roles. Alongside core processing skills, there is growing demand for capability in areas such as digital systems, automation, quality assurance, and coordination across the supply chain.

As Edwina Toohey, CEO of Australian Meat Processor Corporation, recently noted:

"Broadly, a challenge industry has is in middle management and additionally with the development of technology such as robotics and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) there is a need for more diverse skill sets into the future."

For new entrants, this presents opportunity, but only if pathways are visible, structured, and supported.

Importantly, this is not about replacing experience. It is about making experience scalable.

For industry, the focus is shifting toward:

1. supporting faster skill acquisition
2. strengthening capability in mid-level and decision-making roles
3. improving access to training, particularly in regional areas
4. building clearer, more flexible career pathways

These are not new challenges - but they are becoming more urgent.

Workforce capability will continue to play a central role in how effectively the industry responds to market volatility, adopts new technologies, and maintains productivity and standards.

MINTRAC’s role remains focused on supporting industry to build that capability - through training, workforce development initiatives, and collaboration across the sector.

As the conversation evolves, maintaining a practical, workforce-focused lens will be key to ensuring solutions are not only discussed, but implemented.


Further industry discussion on this topic was recently explored in Beef Central’s feature examining workforce capability, operational knowledge and changing skills requirements across meat processing. Read more here