National recognition for local nursery that thrives on training
14 October 2004
A local nursery that’s achieved higher productivity, improved profitability and greater teamwork through training is now in line for a national training award.
Edmonton’s Mad About Plants is a finalist in the Small Employer of the Year category of the 2004 Australian Training Awards to be held in Melbourne next month.
Mad About Plants recognises that a well-trained workforce enables the nursery to provide a premium product to customers, which in turn enhances business prospects. Employees display the confidence to question everything they do, continuously looking for ways to improve their work practices and environment.
“Constantly we hear other business people complain there are not enough skilled and motivated employees,” said nursery owner Daryl Madder. “In reply we ask them, ‘How many people have you trained yourselves?’ The penny usually drops.”
According to ANTA chairman, David Hind, the key to becoming internationally competitive is recognition by employers that training is absolutely critical to achieving success.
“Employers like Mad About Plants are setting the standard in on-the-job training, and are reaping the rewards as a result,” said Mr Hind.
Mad About Plants is one of four Queensland organisations vying for national honours at the awards. Gold Coast builder, Boss Homes, the Bremer Institute of TAFE (Ipswich) and the Queensland Police Service Academy’s justice entry program will line up against competitors from around the country.
Four students will also be flying the Queensland flag. Mackay’s Brendan Bishop, Yvonne Gordon of Dalby, Cheryl Callender from the Cairns suburb of Bayview Heights, and Belinda Bennett of Redcliffe are all in the running for a national title.
The 2004 Australian Training Awards will be held at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne on Thursday, 18 November 2004. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices, trainees and students as well as the contribution of enterprises and training providers to skilling Australia.
The Australian Training Awards are hosted by the Australian National Training Authority and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONTACT:
Alison Carbery, Red Agency, 03 9421 4899 or 0409 070 507
Register to attend at http://www.anta.gov.au/vetawards.asp or contact the organisers on 1800 150 653.