At the same time, South Moree Butchery owner Robert Moore was short-staffed and had little time to recruit.

A year later, thanks to the help of employment agency BEST Employment, John has just finished his first year as an apprentice butcher, while Mr Moore is able to meet the demands of a growing business.

In regional towns time is crucial for local businesses and there never seems to be enough of it, especially when it comes to hiring staff.

By the time you advertise, cull the applicants, interview the top candidates and successfully employ someone you are months down the track, and for many it’s not good enough.

“If it was left to us to do we wouldn’t have John as an apprentice now,” Mr Moore said.

South Moree Butchery is a small business that has been growing since it opened its doors three years ago.

While striving to be innovative and meet local demands, the need to hire was growing but with a lack of time, it wasn’t a priority.

With a limited supply of qualified butchers in town, an apprentice was the answer, but where would they find the time to look?

“I was looking to find people who would be here for a long period of time to sort of adapt to the things I wanted to do with the business,” Mr Moore said.

That’s when he turned to BEST Employment.

“We took his advice [BEST Employment’s employer specialist, Mark Cubis] on who he had on is list, we interviewed John and he has been an absolute trojan worker,” Mr Moore said.

“It was great; the interview was held on their premises as we have no room, so having that convenience to come over, be welcomed and provided a very functional space was just so much easier than when people come into the shop.

“When you use BEST Employment it saves time when you are busy, it lets you screen and you can take advice. You can’t afford for the phone to be ringing, you can’t afford to be checking your emails every five minutes.”

John has now completed his first year as an apprentice butcher with South Moree Butcher and is extremely proud of the accomplishments he has made.

“Without this apprenticeship I would still be in work for the dole,” he said.

BEST Employment marketing coordinator Kate Ottewell said the employment agency strives to match job seekers with local businesses, for long term sustainable positions.

“We listen to your individual and industry needs and work with you to find the right fit for your business,” she said.