THE nomadic urge has translated into steady work for more than 30 people in six months, as a Moruya firm bucks a depressed regional economy.
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Ultimate Campers operations manager Jason Stevens said this week he had hired 32 new staff, including 10 Moruya High School students, to build trailers for the adventure and “grey nomad” markets.
Mr Stevens said it was the largest growth in his seven years with the company, which began in the backyard shed of Eurobodalla couple Michael and Wendy Hackett in 1994.
Mr Hackett’s background as a boat builder has seen the firm float to the top of Australia’s camper trailer industry, selling products that look more like yachts than caravans.
“It is going off and our order book is full to the middle of next year,” Mr Stevens said.
“I have hired 32 new staff since September, including 10 school leavers.”
Recently employed staff members include Jack Harty, 17, of South Head, and Brady Adams, 20, of Moruya.
“There is a lot to pick up and I am anticipating getting around and learning everything,” Mr Harty said.
“I am part of a team.”
Mr Adams said he had been job hunting in a tough market for some time.
“It is good to have steady employment,” he said.
Richard Williams, 31, spent a year as a stay-at-home dad and was glad to rejoin the workforce four weeks ago.
Skilled workers Adam Domeny and Dave Cameron left other jobs to join the firm in the past two weeks.
Mr Stevens said his books were now full, but he would continue to take resumes.
“If I think a person is gold, I will find them a job,” he said.
He said finding “good, reliable employees” was always a challenge, even in the Eurobodalla’s tight job market.
He has worked closely with Wesley Employment Services and felt proud to have overseen the employment of so many new workers.
“There are a lot of people looking for work,” he said.
“The people the job services provide normally have challenges and it is really nice
to provide them with a career and see them grow and blossom.
“In this area, forget the skills base, because there is none. It is more about personality.
“You don’t need a skill, but you need the desire to work, you want to be proud of what you do, proud of yourself.
“You have to come to work, turn up on time, be part of the team and want to succeed.”
Moruya High School careers advisor Tracy Hogg said students had been hired at the business from years 10 and 11, after first completing work experience to see if they were ready for the demands of industry.
“For some students, that led to a decision that wanted to stay at school and complete their education, but others felt ready to join the workplace,” she said.
“When I visit, it is great to have ex-students coming up telling me their stories.
“They are so happy, and that is what you want, for them to be safe, healthy, happy and engaged in the community.”
Ms Hogg said another group would begin work experience next term and she hoped to convince at least one girl to consider a non-traditional career