The Northern Rivers Times
August 4, 2022
52 BUSINESS
APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINEESHIP NUMBERS CONTINUE TO RISE The number of apprentices and trainees in jobs across the state increased 11 per cent in the year to December 2021, off the back of the NSW Government’s unprecedented investment in fee-free training.
The National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) report shows NSW continues to lead the nation, with more apprentices and trainees than any other state or territory. Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said 106,445 apprentices and trainees were in training at the
end of 2021, with both commencements and completions up overall on the year before. “Our push to turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training is securing a brighter future for NSW, with more people getting skilled, finding jobs and growing the
economy,” Mr Henskens said. “It’s great to see the number of women undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW continuing to surge, with a 21 per cent increase in 2021. “Our record skills investment is helping people boost their budget through free training, allowing them to find in-demand
jobs and contribute to historically low unemployment rates in NSW.” The NSW Government is removing barriers to vocational education and training for young people through programs like JobTrainer, Careers NSW, the Educational Pathways Program and reforms to the HSC and ATAR that will expand the education and employment pathways available.
WELCOME ACTION How small businesses ON UNFAIR can overcome adversity CONTRACT TERMS The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Albanese Government’s move to introduce legislation to ban unfair contract terms for small businesses. “This is a real problem for small and family businesses and it is very pleasing to see this election commitment being progressed so quickly by the Small Business Minister, Julie Collins, and the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh,” Mr Billson said. The Ministers said the government would be introducing civil penalty provisions ‘outlawing the use of, and reliance on, unfair terms in
standard form contracts’. Mr Billson said he has personally met with many, many small businesses who have highlighted this very problem. “We see in many contracts we review, examples of unfair terms. This is an area ripe for change,” Mr Billson said. “Power imbalances between small business and large enterprises are exacerbated by unfair business practices and unfair contract terms. “Addressing these issues will aid in rebalancing these relationships and promote economic growth. “I encourage large enterprises doing business with smaller
firms to be a kindly customer – patient and understanding, with good and generous intent, especially around contract terms.” “Small businesses are run by real people who deserve our respect and empathy every day.” Mr Billson said he also welcomed the government’s move to update the definition of a small business in this legislation to increase the eligibility threshold from fewer than 20 employees to fewer than 100 employees, and introduces an annual turnover threshold of less than $10 million as an alternative threshold for determining eligibility.
The last few years have been tough for Gayle Black and her small business. Owning a newsagency in the town of Cessnock situated near the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley has made her face the brunt of Covid-19 restrictions and the recent NSW flood disasters. But through it all, Gayle’s bravery and fortitude have risen above the adversity experienced across the region, and the Cessnock West Newsagency stands strong as a pillar of the community. “I won’t lie; it’s been difficult,” she reflected. “But my community is important to me, and sometimes you got to roll with the punches and come out scathed but standing.” Supporting Gayle through the highs and
lows has been BizCover, which has helped provide protection for the newsagency since 2016. “It’s just so simple and easy, and that’s why I just kept going with BizCover because they just work for my business,” she said. And while she may be an Aussie battler, Gayle understands the importance of putting a solid insurance plan in place, taking out a Business Pack policy (including Public Liability, Contents, Theft, Glass, Money). “My advice to small businesses is to work hard, enjoy yourself while doing it, and have the protection in place just in case it all goes pear-shaped.” Change and tradition While 2021 was
challenging for many small businesses, those that had a more positive experience were more likely to develop new products or services to meet the changing conditions, according to insights from the Bravery Report. The Cessnock West Newsagency is a real-life example of this, with Gayle sourcing more toilet paper, hand sanitiser and ramping up deliveries to compensate for the lack of foot traffic. “You’re going to have to diversify. I’ve noticed with my competitors is that if you are in business for a long time, you run the risk of going a bit stale and not wanting to change,” she said. “We changed the way we operate in some ways and tried to source locally and fairly.”
