A national “thumbs up” for local nursery that thrives on training
23 November 2004
A local nursery that’s achieved higher productivity, improved profitability and greater teamwork through training has been crowned the Prime Minister’s Small Employer of the Year at the 2004 Australian Training Awards.
Edmonton’s Mad About Plants received the Award at the Australian Training Awards at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne tonight.
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.
“When we bought the nursery in 1996, the lack of skilled employees made it impossible to grow quality plants and run a profitable business,” said nursery owner Daryl Madder.
“So we took responsibility for the skills shortfall and introduced training, making it compulsory for all nursery staff to work towards a Certificate III in Horticulture.
“While we encountered some initial teething problems, the nursery now has a qualified and multi-skilled team that can work across all areas of operation,” he added.
The judging panel were also impressed by the benefits available to employees, including access to all information about the business. Employees are also empowered to question everything they do, and encouraged to continuously seek new ways to improve their work practices and environment.
Mad About Plants was part of a major Queensland showing at the national awards ceremony – Mackay electrical technician Brendan Bishop was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Brisbane’s Greenslopes Private Hospital won the Community Services and Health Industry Award, and Gold Coast builder Boss Developments received the Construction and Property Services Industry Award.
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.
The Australian Training 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 awards are hosted by the Australian National Training Authority and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
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