Damien Jenkins, 19, took time out from his working day at Fletcher International Exports, to speak to Dubbo Photo News, still wearing the mandatory protective hood and glasses which prevent things getting into his eyes and hair.
“I work in the cold fabrication area. We bone the cold sheep which have stayed overnight in the chillers.
“I started and did two years on night shift in the hot room, so, from 4pm to 1am. Then, I transferred to dayshift which is 6.30am to 3.30pm. I much prefer the day,” Damien said.
The former Dubbo College Senior Campus student started working at Fletchers while he was still at school. 
“When I was 15-and-a-half, I started with a traineeship run through the school. I got to year 11 but decided to start work at Fletcher’s full time instead.”
Damien was participating in the school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) which are a popular way for students to begin a career at Fletcher International Exports.
SBATs are available to all Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students in NSW and combines paid work, training and school.
In part, Damien was following in the footsteps of his brother who was working as a supervisor at the time, and has been a Fletcher’s employee for about 14 years.
“My brother started out here when he was young too. When I started I really felt like I knew nothing, but the people here guided me to where I am now.
“I like working with the people here. I get along with pretty much everyone out here. It’s a very good environment and there’s lots of opportunities for learning.
New experiences and skills are guaranteed.
“For example, I’ve learned how to use knives and how to keep them sharp, similar to a chef but our knives are sharper. If you start out here with no experience, it’s a really good learning experience. I do see myself retiring out here,” he said.
Damien encourages other students to consider working at Fletcher International Exports.
“I’ve learned a lot of life and work skills here, more than when I was at school. Before coming here, I spoke to the careers office about traineeships and Fletcher’s said I was welcome.
“I was doing one day a week at Fletchers, and four days a week at school and I was being paid for that one day at Fletcher’s too.”