Westvic expands training

WESTVIC Staffing Solutions recorded a successful year in 2011-2012, despite the loss of its Australian Apprenticeships Centre service.

The company said it expanded its training programs, employed more people through its group training service and created its first Melbourne-based employment opportunities in 2011-12.

Westvic CEO Miles Coverdale said the major challenge for the year was the loss of its contract for the Australian Apprenticeships Centre service.

“However, challenging circumstances drive new opportunities for growth and service partnerships and this creates opportunities for us in other areas to expand existing services and also explore new ones,” he said.

The company’s annual report showed Westvic finished the financial year in good shape with revenue of $16.8 million and a profit of $632,919.

Chairman Henry Bongers said Westvic was continuing to create better outcomes for job seekers to further their employment and training opportunities. 

“We have achieved incredible outcomes in most of our key areas of operation given the more challenging environment we find ourselves in,” Mr Bongers said.

Westvic’s Group Training Organisation (GTO) recorded 258 new job commencements — an increase from 236 the previous year — and maintained more than 400 apprentices and trainees in employment and training.

The GTO also expanded services to Melbourne with long-standing training partner Inspirational Industry Solutions (IIS) and its not-for-profit arm A-Gesture. 

The partnership created a program to help more than 60 job seekers with disabilities to undertake traineeships in warehousing in Melbourne’s western suburbs. 

Westvic’s Job Services Australia division maintained its three-star performance level at all sites, achieving a rollover of contract for the Western District, Hampden and Geelong employment service areas. 

“We assisted nearly 1000 medium to long-term unemployed job seekers into employment, working with them to overcome barriers,” Mr Coverdale said. 

Westvic continued to grow its training service with a suite of new programs including the dual diploma of management and human resource management and certificate IV and diploma courses in occupational health and safety. 

The business also helped more than 400 students into work experience positions.

Westvic is pursuing plans for a new head office at 188-190 Koroit Street, Warrnambool. Kevin Leddin was elected as the board’s new chairman.

ehimmelreich@standard.fairfax.com.au

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