Jason Stevenson, proprietor of Stevenson Fabrications spoke to the club.
Grew up on a farm in Naring, wanting to be a stock agent, was advised by father to get a trade. Attended Numurkah High School technical wing, then apprentice for 8 years in Shepparton in vehicle manufacturing.
Rented a shed in McDonald Street opposite GrainCorp, and established business Stevenson Fabrications.
Employ a staff of 15, predominately working for big companies including GrainCorp with 2 employees doing maintenance work. Fresh Milk Holdings another big company with 13,000 cows in barns, and Numurkah Solar Farm with 23 staff on-site and managing 120 employees during construction.
Pressure on small business is recruiting full time staff, relying on Secondary College for engagement of apprentices. Within workshop have to be versatile with big and small jobs. Installed a $300,000 laser cutter, and now a folding machine.
Looking to expand to a block on the highway, as running out of room in McDonald Street.