Logan company champions mature workers

Published Tuesday, 27 November, 2018 at 10:10 AM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

A Logan plant hire and civil construction business has been recognised for its commitment to employing mature age workers, winning the Mature Age Workers Mean Business Award.

The Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman announced the Sniffers Group as the 2018 Mature Workers Mean Business Award winner at the inaugural Age and Work Symposium today.

“Sniffers Group understands the importance of hiring mature aged workers and the valuable contribution they bring to a successful business,” Ms Fentiman said.

Sniffers Group managing director Stephen Orchard said mature age workers are an invaluable part of his team as they not only pass on their skills and teach the younger employees but also serve as mentors for junior staff.

“Our mature age workers have made a huge difference in nurturing and training our new and younger employees since the company began in 2000 (TBC),” Mr Orchard said

“We have made a significant investment in staff training and our mature age workers have done a great job because they are patient and happy to take the time to teach and train our younger or less experienced staff.

“We are proud of our mature age workers and the contribution they make to our business, so being a Mature Age Employer Ambassador is something we whole heartedly embrace.

“With skill shortages in this industry, and mature age workers seeking to work beyond the traditional retirement age, we have found a solid source of experienced talent to meet our business needs.”

Currently the company has eight employees aged 55 and over and expects to hire more mature aged workers when it expands and moves from Cornubia to Stapylton in the new year. (TBC)

Minister Fentiman also announced a further ten ambassadors who will promote the benefits of employing workers aged 55 and over.

These comprise companies throughout the state including Capta Group (Cairns), Peninsula Auto Spares (Clontarf), The Cleo Collective (Moorooka), Simple Solutions (Hervey Bay), RHD Classic Supplies & Services (Aitkenvale), Queensland Steel Products (Parkhurst), Phoenix Security Services Pty Ltd (Ryan), Kent Saddlery (Stanthorpe) and Curves Gym (Stanthorpe), NORTEC (Gold Coast).

All of these employers have been providing age friendly workplaces and valuing experience in their workforce and deserve to be congratulated.

Age need not be a barrier to employment, however Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that labour force participation declines with age and older workers face longer periods of unemployment.

The Palaszczuk Government has been working to shift this trend.

“Though our combined efforts under Skilling Queenslanders for Work and Back to Work programs we have supported more 4,500 mature age workers into jobs.

“The future of work will be the focus tomorrow when Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk brings together the state’s heads of industry with educators, training providers, mayors and unions at a Skills and Industry Summit.

“The Summit puts the spotlight on job creation, skills development and supporting greater innovation, including engaging mature ager workers and their needs.

A full list of Mature Age Worker Ambassadors can be found at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/taking-on-staff/mature-workers-competition

 

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719