A new business specialising in matching trainees and apprentices with employers has opened in Horsham.

Workplace Partners Australia provides services across the Wimmera-Mallee.

Company director Robin Kuhne said many businesses had been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Workforce Partners Australia refused to let that deter it from launching the business from Mildura last year.  

“We believe there will be many opportunities for business growth as we emerge from what has been a challenging 2020,” he said.

Mr Kuhne, who has a long association with the Wimmera and Horsham and district, said there had been a decline in the number of people starting apprenticeships or traineeships as the entry point to their careers. 

“A combination of government incentives for employers and apprentices-trainees, a shortage of skilled labour, a vibrant agriculture and supporting sectors and excitement with existing and emerging industries has created forward-facing opportunities that will put the Wimmera in a powerful position – to not only maintain pace with regional growth but to take the lead,” he said.

“We believe now is a great time for the region to think about growing its own talent through the apprenticeship and traineeship model.”

Mr Kuhne said Workforce Partners Australia had a commitment to support individuals and businesses to grow sustainably together from a ‘true’ partnership approach. 

Another former Wimmera identity, Chris Perry, with more than 22 years of experience in the apprenticeship sector, is Horsham apprenticeship manager for Workforce Partners Australia. 

Mr Perry said he was excited to join the team.

“Their  mission and values are aligned with my own personal values when taking a community-
minded perspective – that is by creating and growing a local skilled workforce through the apprenticeship and traineeship models,” he said.

“We have a highly personalised and professional service and understand that one size does not fit all, particularly in the unique business and industry of rural and regional communities like ours.

“Our aim is to form relationships with the community and help navigate through the layers that can sometimes present as barriers, to make apprenticeship and traineeship employment a positive experience for all.”

Mr Kuhne said the Workforce Partners Australia team was thrilled with the positive welcome and interest it had received and looked forward to supporting Horsham district to grow the business via the region’s talent pool. 

Workforce Partners Australia has moved quickly to form partnerships with businesses and has more than 10 apprenticeship vacancies advertised in today’s edition of The Weekly Advertiser. 

The entire February 24, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire February 24, 2021 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!