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Discovering a new source of recruitment
As Tasmania’s unemployment rate hits its lowest rate in three decades at 4.4 %, businesses will need to compete more fiercely for workers in the future.
Rosie Bell, Production Supervisor at Tasmanian Seafoods Pty Ltd, based in Margate knows first hand how difficult it can be sourcing the right workers for their business. Working in a highly competitive industry, Tasmanian Seafoods Pty Ltd has two abalone processing factories in Tasmania, one in Victoria, and other fishing interests in Queensland and the Northern Territory. The work can be around the clock, shucking and processing abalone as it comes out of the water.
In 2004, Rosie was approached by WISE Employment, a not-for-profit organisation that provides employment services to job seekers with a disability and other significant barriers to employment. They asked Rosie to consider giving one of their job seekers a work trial and Rosie agreed. The young man had a learning disability, low literacy levels and little confidence, and Rosie admits that they were unsure of his ability in the beginning.
“We did wonder if he would be suited to the work,” she said.
“It can be hard work, and not everyone wants to do it, but we knew he was a local boy and we should give him a go.”
Rosie admits this young man would not have come across well in an interview, but is glad they took him on. Years later he still works on the factory floor, and has expanded his skills so he now also works in the store room, carries out maintenance and makes ice.
“I can imagine other employers thinking initially ‘he won’t fit in’,” she said.
“But he did and still does – he’s no different in his abilities to other employees, and is a much better employee in some ways. And it didn’t take long for him to make friends and to become part of the team.”
“He’s stayed with us and is willing to learn – we ask him if he wants to try something new, and he gives it a go.”
Staff morale has also improved as a result of the company hiring job seekers with a disability, and they have since taken on three more workers with a disability. Some staff were not too sure about it at first, but now better understand the needs and abilities of their fellow employees with a disability.
“Someone has to give these people the opportunity,” says Rosie.
In an industry where it is often difficult to retain good workers, she is thrilled to find employees who can not only do the job but are willing to stay with the company.
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