Industry training key to business future

Business should be investing in a strong future by employing better qualified staff and training, re-skilling and motivating their employees, according to leading new apprenticeship centre, MAS National. Speaking in response to the current debate about shortages of labour skills in Australia, MAS national chief executive Garry Thomas said any money spent on training by industry would be repaid many times over in the future. “In jobs which are physically taxing there are opportunities to retrain and retain older employees rather than lose them altogether,” he said. “Many want to stay involved in their 50s and 60s and they could be re-skilled to take on a less physical role within the company.”

Reputation and staff retention key risks

Reputation risk and the acquisition and retention of skilled staff are the key risks for corporate Australia, attendees heard at a recent forum held by Aon. “The acquisition and retention of skilled staff are key risk issues for the boards I am involved in including the ASC – particularly in light of their new business win,” said Stephen Young, a non-executive director of ASC Limited. “Reputation risk is another major issue for Australian businesses. However organisations need to do more than just have risk management systems and frameworks. They need to drive and promote a risk culture from factory floor to the boardroom,” he said.