MEGT Urges the Building Industry to Take Advantage of a Downturn in Business
MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre is contracted by the Australian government to provide free advice to businesses about upskilling their staff through apprenticeships and traineeships.
Ringwood, Australia, May 07, 2012 --(PR.com)-- As a result of the strong Australian dollar and the knock on effects of Europe’s struggle with a second recession, Alan Oster, Group Chief Economist for the NAB has forecast that the downturn in the building and construction marketplace will continue this year. And yet he is more optimistic than many other analysts.
Linda Nall, MEGT's Group Marketing Manager, believes this is the time – again – to adjust your business for the short term in order to ensure you are ready for growth in the long term.
According to Ms Nall, the first step is to make an appointment with yourself. Take time out of your everyday workload to assess your business’ ability to cope with the current downturn; its flexibility to take advantage of a turnaround and whether you need to change its shape and services – or not.
"I recommend businesses take time to ask the following questions of themselves," explains Ms Nall.
"Who is going to make money in this economic climate? You, your current competitors or an emerging competitor?
"Are there emerging opportunities in the slow down?
"What does that mean for staffing levels and the skills needed to keep your existing business this year? (You won’t want to lose the customers you have through poor service!)
"If you decide to change your product or service offering, what skills will your staff need?
"What is your plan for growth when the market readjusts? Will you be able to move quickly so you don’t miss opportunities?
"Is it a good strategy for you to combine your direct employment of apprentices and trainees with the labour hire of the Group Training system and spread the employment risk?
"This is not the time for complacency. It is time to decide that YOUR business will be the one to succeed."
Australian Apprenticeships Centres are contracted by the Australian government to support businesses with expert advice and administrative services relating to the employment and training of apprentices and trainees. It’s a free service. With their input you can:
1. take advantage of the quieter months and organise the next level of skills training for your existing staff. Your existing staff may attract government funding for this increase in skills training and there have been many additions to eligible courses over the past 12 months. Your business may be eligible for government incentives to supplement the cost of this training.
2. introduce apprentices or trainees to the business while things are a bit quieter. By investing more time in their on-the-job skills training now, you will gain the benefits of their increased competence later when things speed up.
3. introduce new skill sets to your business that will help you open up new markets, take advantage of emerging opportunities, or add value to what you do now
4. link up with support services relevant to your business:
a. to schools with school-based apprenticeships programs
b. to the list of the appropriate training providers that match your business needs
c. to organisations that can help you recruit your apprentice or trainee at no cost to you
d. to support services your apprentice or trainee may need (such as the new Wage Connect service or emergency housing and so forth).
There have been many changes to government incentives for Australian Apprenticeships over the past few years. For example, last year there were changes to eligibility for employer incentives for Certificate II. In December the SA State government introduced expanded User Choice training subsidies for training contracts that commenced before 7 December, 2011. In Victoria, SkillsVic is planning to make reforms that will affect the Building and Construction industry as outlined in the paper Building Trade Pathways.
"There’s a lot of support available to help you adjust your business for the times ahead," explains Ms Nall. "It’s time now to seek that support if you want to ensure your business is a winner for the future."
To see a full list of government initiatives regarding Australian Apprenticeships, visit www.megt.com.au
Linda Nall, MEGT's Group Marketing Manager, believes this is the time – again – to adjust your business for the short term in order to ensure you are ready for growth in the long term.
According to Ms Nall, the first step is to make an appointment with yourself. Take time out of your everyday workload to assess your business’ ability to cope with the current downturn; its flexibility to take advantage of a turnaround and whether you need to change its shape and services – or not.
"I recommend businesses take time to ask the following questions of themselves," explains Ms Nall.
"Who is going to make money in this economic climate? You, your current competitors or an emerging competitor?
"Are there emerging opportunities in the slow down?
"What does that mean for staffing levels and the skills needed to keep your existing business this year? (You won’t want to lose the customers you have through poor service!)
"If you decide to change your product or service offering, what skills will your staff need?
"What is your plan for growth when the market readjusts? Will you be able to move quickly so you don’t miss opportunities?
"Is it a good strategy for you to combine your direct employment of apprentices and trainees with the labour hire of the Group Training system and spread the employment risk?
"This is not the time for complacency. It is time to decide that YOUR business will be the one to succeed."
Australian Apprenticeships Centres are contracted by the Australian government to support businesses with expert advice and administrative services relating to the employment and training of apprentices and trainees. It’s a free service. With their input you can:
1. take advantage of the quieter months and organise the next level of skills training for your existing staff. Your existing staff may attract government funding for this increase in skills training and there have been many additions to eligible courses over the past 12 months. Your business may be eligible for government incentives to supplement the cost of this training.
2. introduce apprentices or trainees to the business while things are a bit quieter. By investing more time in their on-the-job skills training now, you will gain the benefits of their increased competence later when things speed up.
3. introduce new skill sets to your business that will help you open up new markets, take advantage of emerging opportunities, or add value to what you do now
4. link up with support services relevant to your business:
a. to schools with school-based apprenticeships programs
b. to the list of the appropriate training providers that match your business needs
c. to organisations that can help you recruit your apprentice or trainee at no cost to you
d. to support services your apprentice or trainee may need (such as the new Wage Connect service or emergency housing and so forth).
There have been many changes to government incentives for Australian Apprenticeships over the past few years. For example, last year there were changes to eligibility for employer incentives for Certificate II. In December the SA State government introduced expanded User Choice training subsidies for training contracts that commenced before 7 December, 2011. In Victoria, SkillsVic is planning to make reforms that will affect the Building and Construction industry as outlined in the paper Building Trade Pathways.
"There’s a lot of support available to help you adjust your business for the times ahead," explains Ms Nall. "It’s time now to seek that support if you want to ensure your business is a winner for the future."
To see a full list of government initiatives regarding Australian Apprenticeships, visit www.megt.com.au
Contact
MEGT (Australia) Ltd
Linda Nall
03 9871 5555
www.megt.com.au
Linda Nall
03 9871 5555
www.megt.com.au
Contact
Categories