50 key stakeholders from local businesses, representatives from Hervey Bay schools and Job Service Australia organisations converged at the Hervey Bay RSL on Wednesday morning to gain valuable information regarding the workplace future through apprenticeships and traineeships.
Queensland leader in Australian Apprenticeships, BUSY At Work conducted an employer information breakfast sharing insights into the apprenticeship and traineeship needs of the region.
Attendees heard from regional finalist of the Queensland Training Awards and Organisational Development Manager of Hyne Timber, Mark Lourigan who gave an insight into the training and development strategies and culture of Hyne Timber and how implementing this has been of immense benefit to his organisation.
“Through the GFC period, Hyne Timber needed to make a step change in our thinking to survive and thrive. So with the help of BUSY At Work with traineeships, we enrolled all 500+ employees to undertake Certificates III or IV in Competitive Systems and Practices,” said Mr Lourigan.
“It is an ambitious plan for our company, and one that needs strong leadership from within and partnerships with other businesses and the community. But we are seeing the success of all our employees making a contribution and we genuinely believe you cannot be truly competitive without being a learning organisation in every sense of the word.”
Mr Lourigan went on to thank BUSY At Work for their ongoing support, “Holding forums like this helps to ensure as a business community we challenge each other to bring out the best in people.”
BUSY At Work demonstrated best practice and showcased innovative changes towards assisting people to gain apprenticeships and traineeships or choose a career that is right for them.
BUSY At Work Regional Manager, Business Relations (Wide Bay – Sunshine Coast), Ms Sheryl Parker said the purpose of the information breakfast was to highlight apprenticeships and traineeships and how stakeholders can work together to achieve positive career outcomes for everyone.
“Our key presenters shared their approaches to keep apprentices engaged and the importance of finding the right person for the job in the first place. Also highlighted was choosing the right pathway for employment.”
“We had presenters from BUSY At Work, Department of Education Training and Employment and University of Southern Queensland to give an insight into the tools available to do this.”
“We had an excellent turn out and the feedback was really positive with many people coming away with new and fresh ideas of how to support their business,” Ms Parker said.
Among the attendees, Cr Robert Garland from Fraser Coast Regional Council said he was very impressed with the event.
“It was great to see such passion and innovation to assist in the career development of students, school-leavers, jobseekers and those looking to refresh their skills. Irrespective of your age, the tools and information available at www.apprenticeshipcentral.com.au and on the Career Me App are current, user-friendly and provide practical answers to develop a brighter future,” said Cr Garland.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
