Farewell to RICA and CAA

The Career Advice Australia initiative winds up at the end of 2009, with two new replacement programs commencing 1st January 2010.

It is with much sadness that we farewell all our stakeholders, with whom we have formed such close ties over the four years of the the program.

Pictured below are a few snaps of memorable occasions.........


Over the year of 2008, RICA Helen Ellis mentored a class of Year 11/12 Cafe Studies students at Guilford Young College, Hobart campus. Pictured above is their teacher, Aaron Lucas.

Above - Senator Tanya Plibersek, federal Minister for Housing, and the Status of Women, pictured by Helen Ellis, at the Disability Expo at Derwent Entertainment Centre, with Kate Churchill and Naomi Sidebotham from Colony 47. RICA (south) hosted an employer cocktail party at the end of the expo, where two speakers talked about the benefits of employing people with a disability.

Above - northern RICA Shannon Eade at CAA meeting, 2009, Launceston

Helen Ellis and Community Services and Health NICS, Isabel Osuna-Gatty at Hobart Botannical Gardens 2009

Above - RICA, Helen Ellis, at Aurora Moonah, arranging field visits for NICS for Electro Communication and Energy, Nigel Martin, 2008

Above - SCOPE LCP, NICS' officers Nigel Martin and Allun Gallie, and RICA lunch meeting at Meadowbank Winery, 2008

The two Tasmanian RICA's, for north and south of Tasmania - Sam Cawthorn and Helen Ellis, pictured at Ebb Restaurant at Swansea, whilst on an industry trip up the East Coast of Tasmania, 2008

Northern Tasmanian RICA Sam Cawthorn and his manager, Lisa Cream in Canberra at CAA conference, 2008

Try'a Trade Launceston - 07 July 2009

Update will follow... Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this event in the North being in Hospital for an operation. We have a follow up meeting on 03/08/09. From this I will update the Blog to report on Try'a Trade! I have briefly spoken to my LCP's who have reported it was the best Try'a Trade event to date, which is excellent news...stay tuned!!

Future Focus - Manufacturing Industry Tour

Together with Tasmania Central North LCP and RICA Shannon, we arranged a fantastic Manufacturing tour for the Central North LCP Region. This took place on 25 May 2009.

Campbell Town and Cressy District High Schools were involved as we all jumped on a bus and took off to chat to local Employers about their successful and innovative businesses.

First stop was Orion Products in Deloraine who manufacture plastic water tanks, stock feeding tubs and other plastic moulded products. Dale was great with the students and spoke of being a successful businessman in Tasmania. He importantly noted it was not neccessary to leave the State to achieve your goals and dreams.

We then headed to Seattle Services, another successful business who manufacture irrigation systems for farmers in Tasmania. Jeremy informed the students of how many different careers could come from his Industry from metal fabrication, to electronics, to drafting, to marketing/sales. They students found this to be very interesting and an eye opening experience.

Back on the bus and off to Cement Australia. After a thorough Induction and OH&S rundown, Gary took us first to the mine where they extract the minerals to be refined for production. We went to the top of the mine where the students jumped off the bus and took a lot of photos! The view was spectacular. Down the hill again, where the students had the opportunity to jump off the bus and have their photos taken with the mine trucks, which of course they loved. We then went over to the plant and saw the process of cement production which was very interesting.

After a fun but tiring day of travel and learning, we loaded up and headed back. We wish to thank all Employers who made the day so successful and for lending their expertise. Who knows, in years to come, they may have a few potential Apprentices from the group!!!

A trip up the Derwent Valley

It was a freezing day yesterday (Tuesday 9th June), but sunny, and at least the rain held off till later, when I took a group of nine on an Eco Tourism-focused trip up the Derwent Valley. We had two destinations – firstly at the Two Metre Tall boutique brewery just outside Hayes, then on to Hamilton to Curringa Farm. Both venues are exceptional places, with the focus being on, first and foremost, the ultimate in hospitality treatment, then usage of local products, and people. As these businesses are totally reliant on repeat business (as is every other business in the world, except many don’t seem to capitalize on this seemingly minor fact), they concentrate on what might seem to some as small things, but let me hasten to assure you not only do they do this but they do it way better than many restaurants and cafes I’ve ever been to.

Both businesses are small operations, especially in the case of the Two Metre Tall brewery, which is owned and staffed only by lovely Jane and her cheerful husband Ashley Huntington – two mainland ‘imports’ who lived and worked in winemaking in France for a number of years before returning to Australia to continue their passion. They looked round at what was happening in the winemaking/growing industry round Australia, then decided there was a distinct lack of specific beer growing/making in the country.

With wine being Ashley’s area of expertise and training, it was easy for him to transfer that knowledge and experience to the beer side, so they then looked at the best place in Australia for them to be able to do this – and Tasmania was the obvious choice! And aren’t we lucky to have them here? They tested the market slowly and quietly at first, using the St Ives brewing facilities in Sandy Bay, then decided to commit so did a deal with Federal, who own St Ives, and now have the brewing outfit that previously graced St Ives at their brewhouse outside New Norfolk. They are only interested in quality not quantity so small production of specialty beers using local products, as well as growing and developing their own hop plants for the beer is the direction they have taken. That way they have total control of the provenance of their ingredients. They use Lucaston Park apple juice to add body and flavour to one of their beers. They have been experimenting with finding older hop varieties and trying to get them growing again.

They are the most interesting and stimulating people, and their business, even though it is still in fledgling stage, is destined to grow immensely. They are to be admired and respected for what they have already achieved, and the value-adding they are bringing to both the Derwent Valley, and Tasmania.

Curringa Farm involves more people but is principally owned and run by Tim and Jane Parsons. They have three accommodation chalets on the property, offer tourists and visitors a total farm experience, and are doing their ‘bit’ for tourism, as well as running their farm sustainably using the most enlightened methods combined with the previous experience and knowledge of the property having been in Tim’s family for six generations.

They run sheep there; they have the accomodation, and they grow cabbage plants for seed development for Taiwan, as well as poppies. Tim has to be the ultimate in cheeky boys grown up! I look at most adults and they just seem like adults. I often wonder where the child they used to be went. It’s rare to find an adult who retains, and manages to incorporate, the child they once were, but Tim is one of the rare ones. He is hugely charismatic and personable. Tim takes on the farm tour aspect of the experience, with Jane superintending the catering side.

We ate the most simple but absolutely delicious steak, salad and potatoes, then a Coconut slice, served with cream and drizzled with fruit puree. I picked up that the Coconut slice was actually the old Impossible Pie recipe which I’ve made as THE easiest dessert for the past 40 years, and still people are impressed and love it, as they did yesterday at the farm. We also drunk Jane's special home made lemon drink, which was gorgeous, and dipped our steaks in her beautiful chutney.

The food was unpretentious but perfect, and more than satisfied everyone present. Jane and Tim, along with Christine in the kitchen, did a wonderful job of demonstrating exactly what the word ‘hospitality’ means. I wish everyone in Tasmania could go up there and work a week with these wonderful ambassadors of good manners, charm and innovation – hopefully a bit of that true, dinky-die, home-style, honest, old-fashioned courtesy, friendliness and thoughtfulness would rub off.

Did you pick up that I was impressed? Well done. I was. Both these businesses deserve mega-success, and I wish them well.If anyone wants a tour of the Two Metre Tall Real Tasmanian Ales brewery, you’ll need to call Jane or Ashley on 6261 1930 to ensure they are there. They are more than happy to open up any time and talk about their product, but can’t wait round all day, every day, on the off-chance that someone might call in! Ditto for Jane and Tim at Curringa Farm. Call them on 6286 3333.

State CAA Programs & DEEWR Youth Programs Network meeting, Tamar Valley Resort, Launceston 27/28 April 2009

A two day meeting was held in Launceston which provided a chance for all to meet new staff members, network and find out what others are doing as projects for this year.

We had some great guest speakers as well, who inspired us.

Simon Lawrence, Deputy State Manager, DEEWR, spoke to us about the new employment services coming inot being after 30th June this year.
Steve Brown, Deputy State Manager, DEERW, provided us with an Indigenous program update
Esme Murphy, Manager - Children and Youth Team, DEEWR gave a brilliant presentation on Young People in the 21st Century, which proved she really has researched her subject.
Anne Saunders, Tasmanian Polytechnic, lead a discussion about Polytechnic and Skills Institute
Professor David Adams, newly created position of Social Inclusion Commissioner Tasmania gave a presentation on social inclusion and its impact on young people.

As well, Trish Males (YP) spoke about their program, as did Sheryl Thomas, and the YouthLinx staff from various YL groups around the state.

All is all, an extremely interesting and informative two day conference.

CDAA Conference, Grand Hyatt, Melbourne. Wed 15th April - Friday 17th April 2009

Pictured above are LCP staff members, from left, Christian, Vija and Matt, and RICA Helen, dining out Japanese-style at a restaurant near our hotel

All staff in LCP as well as RICA travelled to this worthwhile conference in Melbourne after Easter.

A comprehensive number of guest speakers and workshops were provided, and I think we all got a lot out of attending. Speakers of note for me were Tim Costello, CEO World Vision, and Sue Seawright from the Centre for Adult Education.
I attended the following workshops:
From Chaos to Calm - organising careers events that make a difference - Karen Penrose, Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA)
Kate Southam On-the-couch with Smart Educators. Kate Southam is the syndicated Career writer whose articles are featured every Saturday in The Mercury Positions Vacant column.
Career Writing: what's involved & how to manage the process from idea to publication - Julie Farthing, Career Dimensions, Vic
Meeting the needs of small to medium business - Attracting and retaining the right staff - Cecile Riddle, Prime Performance, Vic
Partnerships don't happen by magic - Andrew Worrall & Helen Nowosilskyj, LCP SA

All workshops were good, but the final one by the LCP from SA was excellent.
Next years is in Adelaide, and I hope to be able to attend, if this one was anything to go by.

Mining, Energy and Construction news

Dear Industry Colleagues,

As always I would like to promote some positive news that you may not have heard of as yet. Coal contracts are in place with other commodities to follow shortly. People are now getting on with the business of mining and construction.Mining and Construction related Activity.

BHP Billiton recently presented the EIS for its plans to expand Olympic Dam from oxide output to up to 19,000tpa. "Exporting uranium to new customers like China will be an integral part of creating value from the Olympic Dam ore body," said Dean Dalla Valle, COO for the company's Uranium Australia unit. Some analysts have suggested the expansion could cost as much as $20B.

Aurox Resources has received environmental approval for its WA iron ore project. The project is to mine and process up to 10.1mtpa of magnetite ore over a 15 year mine life.

Focus Minerals has announced the appointment of Como Engineers for the refurbishment and re-commissioning of its Three Mile Hill Treatment Plant in WA. The contract comprises a $16.965M fixed price contract. The development will increase processing capacity to underpin its objective of increasing production to over 100,000 ounces pa by 2011. The project is scheduled to commence by the end of April 2009 and it is expected that commissioning will occur in late Dec 2009.

Lihir Gold has reported a record first quarter gold output of 318,000 ounces. Total cash costs during the first quarter fell to $US329 an ounce, down 7% on the quarter. Unit costs are expected to stay below $US400 an ounce for the year with lower industry cost pressures, weaker oil prices and a softer Australian dollar contributing to reduce costs. Lihir’s million ounce plant upgrade at Lihir Island continues on schedule and on budget.

Red Rock Resources says it has purchased a $200,000 mobile gold treatment plant from Resource Gold Proprietary and plans to buy a second. The unit is a turnkey gravity plant and smelter which will be built at its factory in Perth.

Syngas has confirmed it plans to continue developing a $3B on-site coal mining operation and premium diesel processing plant in Port Clinton, SA. The company predicts the plant will produce 15,800 barrels of diesel/day over a mine life of 33 years and create 380 full-time jobs, with up to 1,500 jobs to be available during construction. Syngas says it has completed the prefeasibility study and is now commencing a full feasibility study, which will take until around 2012, with full operation to commence in 2015.

Gunson Resources has reconsidered its decision to build a zircon processing plant in China after it has received recommendations that WA is cheaper. One of the three engineering firms competing for the Coburn mineral sands plant tender suggested the separation plant be built near the mine. The company says it has been told that it could save money in supervision and engineering costs during construction. It would also have increased control over product quality and flexibility in marketing to non-Chinese customers. The firm added that there would be a simplification of cash flow and tax accounting if the plant were to be built in WA. A final decision on the preferred contractor is expected in June 2009

OZ Minerals increased production at its Prominent Hill copper and gold mine processing plant. The miner expects to deliver about 600t of concentrate/day, six days a week, with copper concentrates to be shipped to smelters across Asia, starting from late April 2009.The miner says the operation has now reached the planned production rate of around 80% and is expected to reach its nameplate rate by the end of 2009

Meanwhile the Aus. Federal Govt has given China Minmetals the green light to pay $US1.2B to buy OZ Minerals, but made preserving jobs a condition of approval. To approval excludes Prominent Hill mine from the sale on the grounds of national security. The list of conditions on the purchase stipulate that Minmetals will need to operate the mines using a predominantly Australian management team, working companies incorporated in Australia and maintain and increase indigenous employment.

Fortescue Metals investment by Hunan Valin Iron and Steel's has been approved by the Aus. Federal Govt. The $1.2B investment has strict criteria on what the Chinese firm could do.
Atlas Iron has announced that it is looking for a partner to develop its Ridley magnetite project in WA. The $3B plan will include an open-pit mine capable of producing 15mtpa and generating EBITDA of $535M a year for more than 30 years. The company has conducted a prefeasibility study which found the bulk of the $2.97B capital cost, which includes $250M in contingency, is for the minerals processing plant which is estimated to cost around $986M.

Ensham is progressing with the $120M trial underground coal mine, part of a $1B investment to form the Ensham Central expansion project. The mine's planned transition from open cut to highwall, to board and pillar, and eventually a $700-800M underground operation exporting eight to 10mtpa. The gradual shift to board and pillar, to go into development in the second half of 2010, would see 40% of the available coal mined at a depth of 120-130m before underground mining commenced between 80 and 220m.

Whitehaven Coal has locked in its coal contract pricing for the coming year as it continues to make progress on its Narrabri project, which is expected to reach first coal in the December quarter

Macarthur Coal remains focused on the thermal coal market, with the global steel slump slashing metallurgical coal sales in the first three months of the year, while advancing the Moorvale Underground and Middlemount projects

Aquila Resources has retained its determined coal developer status this year with work forging ahead on its prospective Queensland longwall developments

Felix Resources strode a strong development path in the March quarter, moving the new Yarrabee coal preparation plant towards commissioning and seeking approvals for a new open cut area and additional underground mine at Moolarben. GRD Minproc has been awarded a contract for the design of the materials handling areas at its Moolarben coal project.

Indonesia plans to issue a presidential decree to allow miners to carry out underground mining in its protected forest, a government official said on Tuesday, alarming green groups. The decree, which is expected to benefit dozens of mining firms, clarifies Indonesia's forestry law issued in 1999 that prohibited open-pit mining in protected forest areas but did not specify whether underground mining was permitted. "The presidential decree will give legal basis so that underground mining is allowed in protected forest areas," Bambang Setiawan, DG of mineral, geothermal and coal at the country's energy ministry, told reporters. "It will encourage miners to carry out exploration to find new mineral resources that are often located in the forest," Marpaung said, adding that U/G was suitable for Indonesia with mineable nickel reserves of 547 million tonnes, 112 million tonnes of bauxite and 43 million tonnes of copper.

Santos has submitted its draft EIS for its planned Gladstone LNG project in Qld.Commodities News

AUSTRALIA had a seasonally adjusted trade surplus of $A2.11B for February, up 128% from January, but price falls in annual contracts for coal exports and expected falls in iron ore contracts are expected to kick in for April.

Australia's export earnings from energy and mineral resources rose 10% a record $47.3B in the December quarter of last year, export earnings for iron ore and coking and thermal coal had been high. The positive effect on export unit returns from the depreciation of the Australian dollar, resulted in substantial increases for metallurgical coal (34%) and thermal coal (41%), refined nickel class (77%), liquefied natural gas (LNG), thermal coal, diamonds and alumina, mined tin (362%); mined silver (21%); diamonds (12%); crude oil and condensate (8%); and mined zinc (6$).

Leading stainless producers in Taiwan reported substantially improved sales in April, kindling hopes that the market has at least touched the bottom, if not yet started to rebound. Yieh United Steel Corp. the largest integrated stainless steel mill in SEA with an annual capacity of 1 million metric tons -- indicated that thanks to rising international nickel prices, its stainless steel supply in April is expected to reach 70,000 metric tons.Most producers said they believe that as long as nickel prices remain above US$10,000 per metric ton in May and June, their monthly revenues in the second quarter will continue to recover. Stainless-steel producers use about two-thirds of global nickel supplies, as the alloy contains up to 9 percent nickel, which accounts for about half of total stainless-steel production costs.

Coal Seam Gas, Origin Energy Ltd which plans to build a major gas export facility, has entered a conditional agreement to acquire a coal seam gas (CSG) exploration permit for A$660M. Origin is in a joint venture with U.S. energy major ConocoPhillips (COP.N) to build a A$35B LNG export facilities using coal seam gas. The project is targeted to produce 3.5 million tonnes of LNG in 2014, with the potential to increase output to 14 to 16 million tonnes a year in later phases. As many as eight proposed LNG projects in Queensland are vying to boost their CSG reserves to underpin ambitions to export the fuel. Global players including Malaysia's Petronas and Britain's BG Group have poured about A$22B into Australia's coal seam gas companies since last year to secure reserves to feed a global rise in LNG demand.

Teck Cominco reported $US63M of positive provisional pricing gains in its copper division in the March quarter. Its copper and zinc divisions returned to profitability after losses in the December quarter.

Nickel prices have rallied strongly since the end of March, rising by over 30% from around USD 9,400/t to USD 12,300/t. The price has exhibited a certain amount of stability since late 2008, reflecting the fact that plunging demand has been offset by a constant stream of production cut announcements. During the past month, the price of nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) has risen from about $US9,500/t to $US10,755/t.The International Monetary Fund, IMF, has been authorised by the G-20 leaders to sell gold to assist poor countries, is sitting on reserves of the yellow metal of 3,217T, valued at USD 95B.The IMF, the third-largest official holder of gold in the world, has been directed by the G-20 leaders at their recent summit in London to generate additional resources by selling gold to provide USD6B concessional loans to low-income nations over the next 2 to 3 years. The US has the largest official reserves of gold in the world (over 8,000t), followed by Germany at around 3,400t. According to the IMF, the market value of its 103.4 million ounces (3,217t) of gold was USD95.2B on as on February 20, 2008. The IMF has also been directed by G-20 leaders to come up with concrete proposals for gold sale at the spring meetings to be held in Washington on April 25-26.The proposal to sell 403.3t of the Fund's gold, said IMF Survey online, was agreed on last year as part of a plan to bolster the income of the multilateral organisation.Other activity

A $1.1B contract has been awarded by the Qld Govt to a consortium led by Leighton and the Commonwealth Bank for the design, construction and ongoing maintenance of seven new schools. The work will be carried out by the consortium, called Aspire Schools, as part of the state government’s South East Queensland Public Private Partnership Schools project. Members of the Aspire Schools consortium include Leighton Contractors, Leighton Services, the Commonwealth Bank, finance brokers Broad Group and the National Australia Bank. Lend Lease said last week it had won two contracts totalling $675M for the construction or upgrade of 380 government schools in NSW as part of the federal government’s economic stimulus plan.

SOME of the world’s largest resource companies have backed the Australian government’s research into carbon capture and storage, with Xstrata Coal, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Peabody Energy among those throwing support behind an institute launched this week
From left field 10 US retailers pulled impressive revenue numbers out of this unlikely hat. Amazon, Family Dollar, GameStop and select group of successfully weathered the economic storm and recently reported strong financial performances despite the global recession.
Amazon: The world's biggest online retailer reported sales growth of 18% to $4.89B in its first quarter. Sales of electronics and other general merchandise grew a whopping 38% to $2.05B.
RadioShack: The electronics chain reports net sales increased 5.6% to $1B, for its first quarter ended March 31, 2009, up from $949.0M reported a year ago. Same-store sales increased 5%. The chain attributes strong sales of its digital converter boxes, postpaid wireless and flat-panel televisions.

Jos A. Bank: Menswear retailer saw sales jump 15.2% to $695.9M in its latest fiscal year, while same store sales grew 8.9%. With no outstanding debt, extraordinary management practices and an increased effort to expand its marketing and promotions, Jos A. Bank is currently one of apparel's biggest success stories.

Dollar General: Discount chain reports sales of $2.85B in its fourth quarter, up 11.2% from the year-ago quarter. Same-store sales increased 9.4% in the quarter, with increases in both customer traffic and the average transaction. Dollar General also plans to add 4,000 jobs in 2009 to support its plans to open 450 stores.

Hibbett: The sports chain reports that net sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, increased 8.4% to $564.2M compared with $520.7M for its fiscal year ended February 2, 2008. The retailer is on tap to open as many as 70 new stores in fiscal year 2010. In fiscal year 2009, Hibbett opened 69 stores.

SalesSometimes prospect tells us things which we feel border on untruths. With that in mind, I thought it would be useful to go over some common lines that customers give us — and give some advice on how to react.

“We don’t have the budget.” This is shorthand for “we have budget money assigned to other projects that are considered higher priority.”

Your best response: Through questioning and conversation, gather information about where money is currently being spent. Once you’ve discovered what’s funded and why, reposition your offering and the value it provides so that it becomes higher priority than the budget items that are currently funded.

“Send me the information/brochure and I promise to read.” They’re either trying to get rid of you, or they’re being nice.

Your best response: Use your brochure to sit down with the customer to explain your positioning. Make FACT sheets to promote your specific product/service relating to that customer/segment. Hit the point early. People tend not to read general blurbs.

“I am the sole decision-maker.” The customer contact wants to hide the fact that he really can’t make a decision without consulting others.

Your best response: Ask about the specific reporting structure and gently probe to find out the “stakeholders” who “influence” the decision. Read between the lines and you’ll probably be able to figure out which people actually have to be “sold” in order for a deal to go through.

“Your competition is offering a better price.” They want you to drop your prices.

Your best response: You do the same as you would if the competitor actual WERE cheaper. You position your offering, and the privilege of working with your company, as being of massively higher value than working with your competitor.

Mining Equipment and Services News

Thoma & Coffey’s Gladstone engineering projects team has been working with SNCLavalin and SKM to upgrade the Boyne Smelter cranes and runways. The SSJV is delivering the work in 3 phases - Crane Assembly Workshop (CAW), Runway Upgrade Platform (RUP) and Runway Upgrade work. Thomas & Coffey’s first portion of the work saw the construction of a new crane assembly area to hold the 12 new cranes. The second phase was to use this workshop for the assembly of the Runway Upgrade Platform (RUP) which was completed in March 2009.This third phase, crane rail replacement and runways upgrade is currently underway. Over seven km of crane rail will be replaced on two one-km long aluminium smelter lines as part of this work.
Sedgman has been awarded a $A50M contract for the design and construction of a new coal handling plant in Chile.

Bluescope Steel is upgrading its sintering plant at Port Kembla. BlueScope Steel, Thomas & Coffey and Hatch are working together to trial assemble a new $1.7M sinter cooler measuring 40m in diameter.

KBR Incorporated has reported a 4th Q 2008 net income of $88M, up 23.9% year over year, on strong revenue across the board, especially in the Services business unit. Net income for the year totaled $319 million, compared with $302 million in 2007. Their largest project is a $12 billion grassroot refinery in Saudi Arabia.

Noja Power has been awarded a contract for the design, manufacture, test and delivery of low-voltage motor control centres for the X50 phase of the Abbot Point Bulk Coal Terminal upgrade, expected to be completed by mid-2010...

Bucyrus International announced 1st Q net income rose 39%.

Marketing
Here is a list of some of the most common and costly marketing mistakes made by companies today.

Putting your operational needs before those of your customers - There are a wide range of choices and options available to customers today. One of the key things customers value is flexibility, and if your operational procedures cannot provide the flexibility to meet changing customer needs, then their business will go elsewhere. Remember, customers are the reason you are in business, and hence your policies and procedures should be designed with the customer's needs in mind, not just the needs of your staff.

Promoting features over benefits - Customers do not buy services, they buy solutions. Tell them what you can do for them and what benefits they will gain.
Assuming your audience understands what you offer - Your customers are not likely to understand the intricacies of one product/services over another. They seek advice from you - and the company (sales personnel) who does a better job of explaining each product/service and the options available is the one most likely to have repeat customers.

Communicating too many messages - You have a lot to communicate about your services. However, too many scattered messages cause confusion. Don't try to tell everything in each brochure or advertisement. Focus on one or two key points each time and then point your prospects and customers to a place where they can get more information (like your web site).

A business that is not properly positioned - I am sure in your mind's eye your own business is different than the other competitors in your market. Understanding this difference and being able to communicate it is at the heart of positioning. How you position your business will have a direct impact on the types of customers you attract.

Regards


Michael Lang
Director Strategic Relationships_______________________________________________
SG Partners SALES & BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIC GROWTH
14 Kyabra St, Newstead, Q 4006 GPO Box 2461, Newstead Q 4006
T (07) 3852 5454T 1300 236673F (07) 3852 6282 M 0412 950 972E michael@sgpartners.com.auwww.sgpartners.com.au

______________________________________________________________________

News from our Queensland RICA, Emma Earl

News and views on industry careers and skill needs for
Brisbane North and the Sunshine Coast
RICA Region 29
Issue 7 - Autumn 2009
What’s coming up:
Mentoring Skills the Existing Workforce
and Nurtures New Talent

Australian businesses view formal in-house training and mentoring as the most effective
ways to upskill employees, according to an Ai Group report.
The findings in the Skilling the Existing Workforce project report suggest that we need to
build the internal capability of Australian companies to more effectively train and develop
their employees.

Through the Career Advice Australia initiative,
construction workers on the Sunshine Coast are
supporting youth development while learning
mentoring skills that can be transferred back to the
workplace.

Local Community Partnership SCsILS has partnered
with Integrated Family and Youth Services (IFYS) Inc
to facilitate the ‘Hard Yacca’ mentoring program.

‘Hard Yacca’ links young people in Years 8-10 at Maroochydore State High School with the
building and construction industry. Based largely on schools grounds, ‘Hard Yacca’
participants engage in gardening, landscaping, painting, and small construction projects with
the support of industry mentors.

Industry participants include Bunnings Warehouse, which has supplied resources for the
program as well mentoring support. Third and fourth year apprentices from Acclaim
Apprentices and Trainees are also acting as ‘Hard Yacca’ mentors. For further information on
the program, please contact Hayley Baggieri at SCsILS (phone 0411 809 016 or email
hayleyb@scsils.com.au).

The ‘Hard Yacca’ program is funded by the Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations (DEEWR) under the Mentors For Our Students (MFOS) initiative.

‘Move Over RPA…’
Redcliffe Hospital invites local
media students to film behindthe-
scenes in 2009

Ai Group Reports
Key information from the
Australian Industry Group
‘In the Loop’

Keep up-to-date with snapshots
from current employment and
training research
CAA Movements
Keep track of support in your
local area

Brisbane Career and
Employment Expo and
WorldSkills Competition
(Brisbane Conference and
Exhibition Centre, 8-9 May)

Caboolture Career and
Employment Expo
(Morayfield Community Centre,
25 May)

Institute of Chartered
Accountants ‘Meet the
Business Leader’ Event
(Brisbane Convention Centre,
10 June)


Emma Earl
Emma Earl
Regional Industry Career Adviser
Career Advice Australia

Environmental Snapshot: Sunshine Coast*
Consistent population growth and a thriving tourism industry on the Sunshine Coast have
driven local employment in construction, education, business, and property services.
Manufacturing is the largest employing industry on the Sunshine Coast and generates
approximately 7.3 percent of the region’s GDP

In the inland areas of the Sunshine Coast, agriculture and agricultural processing are key
employers (myfuture, 2007). Sugar, macadamia nuts, pineapples, and other fruits are the
primary produce in these areas.

There is anticipated growth in community services and healthcare. Nambour Hospital is the
region’s major hospital. A new hospital is scheduled to be built by 2015, which will result in
increased local employment opportunities in this sector.

* Information taken from RICA 29 Environmental Scan (2009)


About Career Advice Australia
Career Advice Australia (CAA) is an Australian Government initiative aimed at supporting all young Australian’s aged 13 to 19 in their transitions through school and from
school to further education, training or employment.
The CAA Network comprises two tiers of industry career advice including 10 National Industry Career Specialists and 57 Regional Industry Career Advisers which provide
young Australians with improved access to high quality information on career opportunities in industry and assist Australian Industry address skill needs and engage
in young people’s career development. Other key elements of the CAA Network are the Local Community Partnerships, Youth Pathways and Connections programs. For
more information, visit www.careeradviceaustralia.gov.au

Among other activities the initiative will assist in building bridges between young people and local businesses by:
- establishing Adopt A School programmes,
- supporting increased participation in Structured Workplace Learning programmes, and Australian School based Apprenticeships, and
- providing a range of Career and Transition Support services, involving local businesses wherever possible.

For further
information,
contributions or
feedback:
Emma Earl
Regional Industry Career Adviser
Phone: 0448 852 742
Email: emma.earl@aigroup.asn.au

‘Move Over RPA…’ Ai Group Reports ‘In the Loop’
Redcliffe Hospital is offering students at
Bribie Island State High School the
opportunity to manage a real-world film
project profiling behind-the-scenes work
in hospital operational services in 2009.
Students will produce a 10-minute DVD
to market careers in hospital operational
services to prospective employees. The
DVD will be used by Redcliffe Hospital
as part of their recruitment and training
practices.

It will also raise awareness of careers in
hospital operational services, which
have a low image profile for young
people. Related occupations include
ward assistants, theatre attendants and
dietary aides, and job prospects are
good (myfuture, 2008).

Community and health care services are
key employing industries in Redcliffe
City based on the Hospital and local
aged care facilities. Skills needs in
related industries are expected to
increase in the future as Redcliffe City
has been earmarked by local
government as part of a ‘health
precinct’.

CAA Movements
Your local community partnership (LCP) is
your one-port-of-call for career and transition
support targeting 13-19 year olds.
Tranzitions@Work recently received a
community award for their involvement in
the Coordinated Response to Young People
at Risk (CRYPR) program. For further
information on this achievement, please
click here.

Worklinks Inc’s breakfast forum on 29 April
attracted around 100 attendees who learned
more about building career resilience in
young people.

In Pine Rivers, Youthworks is taking an
increasingly central role coordinating the
Brendale Manufacturing Industry Schools
Partnership Group for 2009.

The Sunshine Coast School Industry
Links Scheme (SCsILS) will be facilitating
an interactive career day for students at
Nambour Hospital in May.

Annette Homann has been advancing
Caboolture Area Schools Industry Links
Scheme (CASILS) as manager since
September. Among their activities is the
Caboolture Career and Employment Expo.

There has been much discussion about
proposed changes to higher education
and the VET sector in the wake of the
Bradley Review of Higher Education.
Comments have included a memo to
Government in relation to the VET
sector by Professor Kenneth Wiltshire
from the University of Queensland’s
School of Business.

‘Memo: Your first initiative must
be to improve career counselling
and advice for young and old
alike’

The following is information from an
Australian Industry Group ‘Economic
Alert’ dated April 2009:
At a national level, the downturn in
economic growth has yet to affect
employment and the unemployment
rate to a similar degree as in previous
recessions.

This reflects the lags between changes
in economic growth and employment
decisions made by firms. On average,
there is roughly a two-quarter lag
between falling economic activity and
falling employment as employers seek
to hold on to until recently scarce
skilled labour until it is clear that
demand has fallen in a sustained way.

Annual economic growth has been
below the 3.0 percent generally
accepted as being required to maintain
a stable unemployment rate since June
2008, when it fell to 2.8 percent down
from a peak growth rate of 4.2 percent
in December quarter 2007. In line with
this, total employment growth has
slowed solidly since mid-2008.

The industry sectors experiencing the
most significant declines over the past
six months are manufacturing, retail
trade, wholesale trade, finance and
insurance, and agriculture.

The strong gainers in employment over
the past six months have been the
property and business services, mining,
t r a nsport and storage, and
communications services sectors. In
addition, the health and community
services sector has seen significant
gains in employment.

Government & Community Safety update April 2009

Welcome to the April Government and Community Safety NICS eBulletin.

We have had much happening in the last three months and are eager to keep you updated and well informed. Some highlights include the launch of a new Resource Library on the careergov website, online applications opening for the 'Working for Customs' program and a new career video available on the website.

Read on to find out more about these and other news items.

New Resource Library on the Careergov Website
Careergov.com.au is launching a new Resource Library!

The library is easy to use and features over 100 resources about careers in Government and Community Safety. The resources are current and regularly reviewed. They help to highlight skills needs, training and career pathways and occupational and career opportunities in Corrections, Local Government, Public Safety, the Public Sector and the Water Industry.

The resources featured are either downloadable or provide you with the details for where copies can be obtained from. The catalogue can be searched in a number of ways including by industry sector, state or keyword.

New items will be constantly added to the library so if you know of any good resources that you think should be added, please let either myself or Beth know at info@careergov.com.au.

Here is a brochure which outlines the key features of the Library for your use and distribution.
To visit the Resource Library please click here.

Applications now open for Working for Customs Program
Are you keen to see what a job in Customs is all about? Why not get involved in a one-day work experience program? The program is open to students in years 11 and 12 and will be running at Australian Customs and Border Protection Service at Sydney Airport.

This year, an innovative on-line selection tool will be utilised to streamline the process of matching the participants with the program, thereby maximising the benefit for both industry and participants. Applications for the 2009 program are now open. Apply here!

The program has been very successful in previous years and in its third year, it is hoped to increase the number of students catered for by the ‘Working for Customs' program. Program activities include: meeting the sniffer dogs of the Dog Detector Unit, visiting the Container Examination Facility, a behind the scenes tour of Sydney Airport, learning about prohibited items and tips on getting a job with Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

Nominations now open for Industry Engagement Award

Last year saw the establishment of the Government and Community Safety Industry Engagement Award. The 2008 award went to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service for their commitment to the establishment and growth of the ‘Working for Customs' pilot program.

Nominations for this award are now open for 2009. Please give some thought to the engagement activities you have underway so we can give recognition where it is deserved. To put an employer up for nomination, please complete this simple nomination form and return to Government Skills Australia by July 31st.

Government Skills Australia, as the contracted provider of the Government and Community Safety National Industry Careers Specialist role was pleased to establish this award to recognise commitment and excellence in industry engaging with youth. The award will be made annually to acknowledge an organisations' commitment to the objectives of Career Advice Australia which promotes careers to 13 to 19 year olds.

A panel consisting of the NICS and industry, CAA and school representatives will then convene in August to consider the nominations and decide a winner. All nominees will receive a certificate recognising their contribution. The award will be presented to the organisation at a suitable ceremony where the individuals involved can be acknowledged and recognised. The winner of the award will be promoted as a best practice model on the careergov website and through electronic and print newsletters, and a case study of the organisation will be developed.

New SES Volunteer Career Video

A new career video has just been developed which highlights the benefits, challenges and exciting opportunities that results from being a volunteer with the State Emergency Service.
The SES Volunteer video is available on the careergov website now and features Nicole Anderson who is a member of the State Emergency Service in Northwest Tasmania. The video illustrates the challenges Nicole faces as well as the exciting opportunities, training and benefits that being a SES volunteer can bring.

Regional Industry Career Advisor Survey

In February I conducted an electronic survey of all Regional Industry Career Advisors (RICAs). This survey not only provides valuable data which will inform the sectors' environmental scan and drive continuous improvement of the services I am able to provide, but it is also an invaluable tool in setting our priorities and activities for 2009. The 2009 survey has so far achieved responses from 70% of RICAs which is an improvement on last year!

Thank you to the RICAs who have completed the survey, your responses are appreciated and provide us with valuable feedback.

WA RICA, NICS and Industry Forum

In mid March I attended the WA RICA network NICS and Industry Forum. This event was attended by eight of the NICS as well as a number of WA RICAs, LCPs, Industry representatives and career development stakeholders. The three day program provided an ideal mix of information sharing, professional development and networking opportunities only available in a group situation.

Each NICS provided an overview of their sectors, resources, current projects and future directions. Speakers from Industry also provided a Western Australian perspective.
This model provided a great networking opportunity to share ideas, troubleshoot concerns and identify areas of collaborative activity as well as developing the awareness of all participants. This allowed an effective use of time and resources for all stakeholders while increasing awareness of Career Advice Australia within industry.
Many thanks to the WA RICAs for arranging and hosting this beneficial event.

Until next time,
Alun GallieNational Industry Career Specialist for Government and Community Safety
Phone: 08 8410 3455Fax: 08 8410 2842
E-mail: alun.gallie@governmentskills.com.auWebsite: www.careergov.com.au
(c) 2008 Government Skills Australia. Level 2, 47-49 Waymouth Street, GPO Box 2146, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 5000 E-mail: info@careergov.com.au Telephone: +61 8 8410 3455 Fax: +61 8 8410 2842 Privacy Policy Click here to confirm that you wish to unsubscribe to the Career Gov eNewsletters by Government Skills Australia.

Edition 2 of Service Worx, from Services NICS. 14/4/09

(Pictured above: SCOPE LCP team members and RICA in Melbourne "turning Japanese" at the start of the CDAA Annual Conference 14th April 2009, where we received excellent service from our wait staff, thus proving that Service really does Work!)

Welcome to the 2nd edition of Service Worx e-newsletter.
Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Development Strategy

Background

Successful tourism and hospitality businesses depend first and foremost on the people at the coalface. People deliver a world-class visitor experience. Tourism Australia is committed to attracting high yielding visitors to Australia and this coupled with an increasingly demanding domestic consumer means that now more than ever the industry must deliver a premium experience.

This requires a strategy that does more than simply ‘puts a body’ in front of customers.

Employers across the industry, large and small, face the same challenge—to attract and keep people with the right skills and personal attitudes and attributes to deliver a quality experience. However, there are labour and skills shortages in a number of occupations and regions in the tourism and hospitality industry. These shortages cannot be simply attributed to demographic changes, a growing economy or blamed on an education and training system delivering insufficient numbers. Industry and regional structures, business size, workplace conditions, and the mobility of workers are all contributing to these shortages and these are likely to continue for the next two decades. Staff shortages, inadequate skills and knowledge and/or high turnover can impede the ability of a hotel or other tourism business to deliver quality service.*

Strategy
This workforce development strategy has been developed by industry, together with the industry skills council, and represents a commitment from industry to work together. The strategy is an important step in continuing to address the skills and labour shortages in the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Development Strategy outlines the priority areas for achieving the overall goal of access to the number of skilled employees that the tourism and hospitality industry will require to be successful in the future.

These include:
1. A highly skilled workforce
2. Expanding the traditional workforce
3. Access to quality workplaces
4. Better workforce planning

For more on the Workforce Development Strategy please click here.
* Excerpt from the Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Development Strategy.

First newsletter from our Services NICS

Edition 1 2009
Fortnightly Newsletter

Welcome to the 1st edition of Service Worx e-newsletter.

For this edition we would like to highlight the support and heart-warming community spirit demonstrated by all Australians following the devastating Victorian bushfires last month.
The retail sector plays a large role within a business community and the following examples epitomise how Australian businesses have rallied together.
Woolworths Limited announced a $1 million donation to the Australian Red Cross for emergency relief in fire-ravaged Victoria.
IGA - the Independent Grocers of Australia - will donate $1.5 million dollars in food vouchers to assist in the Victoria Bush Fire Disaster Relief efforts.
1270 IGA stores nationwide, as well as Metcash (IGA retailers' primary supplier), will collectively provide the vouchers via IGA's Community Chest program - the majority of which will be distributed by the Salvation Army.

During the crisis, a number of IGA stores have also been acting as community centres - with more than 500 people having camped out at IGA Yarra Glen the week after the fires. Wherever possible, those affected by the fires have been provided with food from their local store.
All 58 Ritchies stores in Victoria, Queensland and NSW will now accept cash donations that will see 100% of the money channelled to the Salvation Army bushfire relief appeal.
Coles donated its profits from its 750 stores nationally to the Government's Bushfire Appeal Fund in partnership with the Red Cross on Friday 13 February.
Coles has also been helping ground level relief agencies, providing essentials such as food, water and toiletries, and will continue to provide additional local support as needed.
Many other smaller retail businesses are also raising money and donating goods to victims of the Victorian fire disaster.

Quick Facts on the Retail Industry

The retail industry is the largest employer in Australia and over 38% of the approximately 1.6M people employed in the industry are between 15-24 years of age.
Melbourne is the second largest labor force employing region in Australia for the Retail Industry and the top jobs are Sales Assistants and Shop Managers, however, remember the industry offers a diverse range of career and employment opportunities and is an intergral part of the Australian workforce.

For further details or information on a career in retail please contact Mary Oliver at the Australian Retailers Association on 1300 368 041 or email mary.oliver@retail.org.au.
Don’t forget www.discoverhospitality.com is now live, if you could spread the word that would be great.

Latest from our Resources & Infrastructure NICS

Update on the Job Losses in the Mining sector

Below is an extract from article that appeared in - Australian Mining - Australia's
premier mining news website on the 27 March 2009

The Minerals Council of Australia has updated its estimated number of job losses in the Australian mining sector to 11,153.

The update came after news that Rio Tinto will place its HIsmelt iron ore processing plant in Western Australia on care and maintenance and BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) will shed another 400 contractors from its Bowen basin coal mines.

BMA’s decision not to renew contracts with Macmahon Holdings and HMP Constructions at its Goonyella and Norwich Park Mines in Queensland was in keeping with the miner’s commitment to reduce coking coal output by 10 to 15% this financial year.

It follows the dismissal of 1100 coal division employees and contractors as part of the axing of 6000 jobs worldwide in January.

Ellen
Ellen Fleming National Industry Career Specialist - Resources & Infrastructure Industries Career Advice Australia - An Australian Government Initiative
Australian Industry Group 20 Queens Road, Melbourne 8004
Phone: 03 9867 0235
Mobile: 0408 055 628
Fax: 03 9867 0199
efleming@aigroup.asn.au
CAREERSCONNECTED.com.au

News from Government and Community Safety

Greetings all RICAs

Careergov.com.au is launching a new Resource Library!

The library is easy to use and features over 100 resources about careers in Government and Community Safety. The resources are current and regularly reviewed, and help to highlight skills needs, training and career pathways and occupational and career opportunities in Corrections, Local Government, Public Safety, the Public Sector and the Water Industry.

The resources featured are either downloadable or provide you with the details for where copies can be obtained from. The catalogue can be searched in a number of ways including by industry sector, state or keyword.

New items will be constantly added to the library so if you know of any good resources that you think should be added, please let either myself or Beth know.

Please find attached a brochure which outlines the key features of the Library for your use and distribution throughout the CAA network.

To visit the Resource Library please follow this link: http://www.careergov.com.au/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=212

Kind regards,
Alun and Beth

Alun Gallie
National Industry Career Specialist
Government & Community Safety
Career Advice Australia
An Australian Government Initiative

Did you know....?

That Tasmania’s ICT sector contributes well over $1 billion to the economy each year? The first industry sector update in five years shows that the ICT sector employs 3500 Tasmanians and contributes $1.4 billion to the economy.

That UTAS has announced that it will waive HECs fees for workers made redundant as a result of the global financial crisis, giving workers who loose their jobs the chance to start their degrees. (The Examiner, Feb 21st 2009)

New TCE qualifications for Year 12 students

This morning I attended a Reference Group meeting at TQA in Battery Point, of relevant people who might be able to distribute information regarding the new TCE qualification which will be issued for the first time at the end of this year (2009) to all eligible Year 12 students.

Basically, over the past few years, TQA have been undertaking a total revamp of the qualifications our students receive at school. The feedback TQA received prior to that indicated that in the world of work, employers couldn't understand what the school results meant in regard to the student's capabilities and qualification to do the actual job of work required of them by the employer.

The former TCE qualification was introduced in 1991, and, as a qualification that new entrants to the workforce wave under the nose of a potential employer, has been essentially dismissed by industry.
There will be two new qualifications issued now:

TCE - Tasmanian Certificate of Education, which has 5 requirements for the students to have attained before they are issued with it.
QC - Qualifications Certificate, which will be issued to cover additional qualifications a person achieves later in life, or in studies that are not covered or included in the TCE, for instance if a student is doing their TCE at school, and outside school are learning to play the piano, so end up with an AMEB qualification.

The 5 requirements the student MUST have to gain their TCE are:
*must have reached an agreed literacy standard (ie practical, everyday writing, reading and communication)
*must have reached an everyday standard of numeracy
*must have reached an everyday adult use of ICT/computer (familiar with Word packages, email etc)
*must have 120 units of credit in education and training, 80 of which must be at Level 2 or higher
*must have a Pathway Plan lodged with TQA at the end of Year 10, signed off by the school and stating where they are going in Years 11 and 12.

There will also be an additional qualification issued named TCEA - Tasmanian Certificate of Educational Achievement, which will be a special purpose certificate issued to a small number of people with difficult circumstances, for example, autistic or deaf or critical family issues. A panel of experts will evaluate the eligibility of students to achieve this qualification. It will reflect their achievement as a fairer account of what they have achieved in their trying circumstances.

The main message I came away with, apart from finding out the details of the new TCE, was the fact that TQA are wanting feedback on this qualification. They want anyone and everyone who is interested enough to do so, to feed back their responses to this new TCE. Obviously that won't be till next year, after this years batch of Year 12 students gain it, then use it to get jobs in 2010. So round April 2010, they will be looking at industry and employers and anyone else to provide feedback.

New announcement from Canberra

PRIME MINISTER
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT PARTICIPATION
IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
TO SUPPORT RETRENCHED WORKERS

To support Australian workers during a global recession the Government today announced a $298.5 million additional investment in employment services in Australia. This targeted investment will ensure any Australian worker made redundant will now receive immediate and personalised assistance to help them get back into the workforce. Rather than having to wait at least 3 months to receive intensive personalised assistance from today all newly redundant workers will now receive this support immediately.

This intensive assistance will be the equivalent to Stream 2 services such as:
• career advice;
• a comprehensive skills assessment;
• skills development training;
• IT support and stationary support to help with job applications;
• targeted referral to appropriate education and training;
• $550 credit to the Employment Pathway Fund to pay for items such computer courses, heavy vehicle license, safety boots and work uniforms.

Today’s targeted investment builds on the Government’s $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan to invest in nation building, support jobs and Australian workers during a global recession. The Government is determined to take all action responsibly possible to help those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own during this global recession. Providers of employment services will also receive increased resources in recognition of the extra workload. In addition, providers will be eligible to receive outcome payments if they directly assist an individual to obtain a sustainable employment outcome.

These changes build on the Rudd Government’s investment of more than $4 billion over three years on a new, more effective, employment services system that will provide better targeted support and do more to assist disadvantaged jobseekers from 1 July.

Today’s announcement will allow workers made redundant from today access to more intensive services from April 1. The Job Seeker Account is also being made more flexible to allow funds to be used to assist job seekers without the need for unnecessary red tape.

In addition, the Rudd Government has committed $75 million to assist newly retrenched workers access training. 10,000 additional training places will be made available under the successful Productivity Places Program and delivered by Registered Training Organisations. Productivity Places Program provides participants with new skills and qualifications that can lead to a pathway of further training and employment. Training will be provided at the Certificate III and Certificate IV levels and will be offered across a wide range of industries.

The $2 billion Productivity Places Program is a major long term commitment that will deliver 711,000 training places over five years. Since April 2008 more than 80,000 Australians have enrolled in a training course through the Productivity Places Program. A highly skilled workforce provides individuals with greater job opportunities and will benefit the Australian economy in the longer term.

The Government will take further action to assist people who lose their job into the future.

More information on these measures are available at: www.deewr.gov.au
CANBERRA

I found it interesting that The Mercury hasn't printed this story at all, either yesterday (Wednesday 25th February 2009) following the media release on Tuesday 24th February 2009, or today.

Welcome

Pictured above are, from left, Mic Smith, Helen Ellis and Mark Goodluck - three speakers at an Employer Breakfast held at Bellerive Yacht Club in June 2008.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Tasmanian RICA! On behalf of Shannon, Malcolm and myself, I encourage you to keep checking in to this site to keep up with the latest info from round Tassie about work and jobs, and all things associated with those subjects.