Strategies for Retaining Staff

Longer Term Goals

Ollerenshaw said that the goal was to provide pathways for apprentices and those who want to do diplomas/degrees in engineering. “We are negotiating for 25 kids who are high achievers to spend four days in the workplace and one day at school on project based work. We anticipate they will go to uni and we will hire the best of the best of those while they are at uni. We want to do that for our retail and logistics area as well.

He said that Stratco feels it is important to capture and channel people’s ability, their enthusiasm and knowledge. “Basically my advice to other employers is to take the step with apprenticeships and school-based traineeships. It is a lot easier than they perceive.

“The up-side is that you have a very positive work force. The cultural benefits are enormous.

Ollerenshaw said that a big benefit for the Stratco staff working alongside the kids is that they learn as well and are then inspired to go out and learn more.

“Most importantly, you are assuring the future of your company. You are controlling your own company’s destiny. You are not relying on the market.”

Starting with the right staff, providing the appropriate skills training, and ensuring all staff feel valued and respected are the foundations for a long term partnership between managers and staff. 

Australian Apprenticeships are an Australian Government initiative.

Linda Nall is a marketing manager for MEGT (Australia) Ltd.