Training program helps boss choose new recruits

BOSSES are taking the lead in Tasmania to help solve the state’s unemployment crisis.

BOSSES are taking the lead in Tasmania to help solve the state’s unemployment crisis.

A groundbreaking training program is being rolled out by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for employers so they can develop their own coaching skills to nurture new recruits.

While the burden of job readiness has traditionally fallen on the shoulders of job seekers, the industry-driven program is assisting employers to become “employee ready”.

TCCI chief Michael Bailey.

TCCI chief Michael Bailey said the program addressed the longstanding frustration and disappointment some employers had expressed about the number of potential employees who had little understanding of what was expected in the workplace.

Mr Bailey said many businesses could not find job-ready recruits., but the problem was not so much a lack of real skills but a clash of culture.

“Employers were saying they can’t seem to find the sort of people they want ... they want people who are motivated, well dressed and turn up on time — not spending all their time on their mobile phone.”

But the TCCI observed that such explicit desires and frustrations were not being well communicated by employers to the young job seekers.

“No one was telling the [job seekers] that this stuff matters,” he said.

The new employer training program helps bosses identify new employees, effectively relay what they are looking for in job seekers and develop work-ready characteristics in the recruits.

The program uses neuro­science, personality testing and coaching to assist job seekers to develop desirable workplace characteristics.

It is an extension of a previous work-ready training program supported by Skills Tasmania.

The participants achieve work-ready validation through a hosted work experience.

The realisation that training was needed for bosses as well as job seekers follows a trial of the TCCI’s initial work-ready program last year.

Of the 60 job seekers in the trial, 60 per cent went on to find work or training.

The new work-ready program for job seekers and ­employers is starting in Glenorchy, with 15 businesses already signed up to take part.

The TCCI is also looking for more employers to host a work experience person as part of the work-ready training for job seekers.

If you are an employer who can host a work experience person, contact [e-mail]. au or phone TCCI on 6236 3600.

Do you have a job for a first-time job seeker? Email [e-mail] and join our campaign.

Originally published as Training program helps boss choose new recruits