NGIV partners with Jobs Victoria to Grow Your Future

Prepare for spring now

Are you finding it difficult to source suitable candidates to fill positions within your business?

Together with Jobs Victoria, Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) has developed a project to address employment and retention barriers for businesses in the horticulture industry by investing in future candidates through a recruitment, learning and development program. The program will focus on candidates from key priority groups including long term unemployed people, people from CALD communities, young people and women over 45.

What is the Grow Your Future project?

NGIV will find and filter candidates through a 6–7 day, fully-funded recruitment process.

One day leadership training for employer mentor(s).

Three days pre-vocational training in key workplace skills to build candidate’s confidence and job readiness.

An additional three days of introductory horticultural training, to expose candidates to the many facets of this diverse and important industry.

Candidates will be trained in various key workplace skills by an experienced recruitment specialist. They will also be provided with free access to vital resources and supports, including employment checks, uniforms and workplace personal protective equipment (PPE).

Training summary

Eligibility criteria for employer

Access to a selection of job ready candidates

NGIV will cover the learning and material expenses including preemployment checks and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Recruitment will take place by experienced recruitment specialists who will match candidates to your jobs and skills requirements

Employers can be involved in the recruitment process. They will have the opportunity to meet candidates throughout the training process to get a sense of who they are and how they might best fit their business

Additional funding, including an employer mentor support subsidy and any social / cultural training supportand assistance

There are numerous supports with minimal recruitment interference and costs (fully-funded recruitment process)

Day 01

Candidates will be trained in employability skills, such as communication, problem solving and the skills expected in the workplace – including interpersonal skills and teamwork.

Candidates will learn about their rights and employers’ responsibilities in the workplace regarding employees’ wellbeing, health and safety and how to effectively give and receive feedback to build a better workplace.

Day 03

Candidates will explore potential job opportunities with employers and learn how to be adaptable and resilient in the workplace.

Candidates will be provided with an insight into the horticulture industry, including safe horticultural practices and career opportunities and pathways available to them.

Day 02

Able to provide an ongoing position of a minimum of 19 hours per week for 12 months or more, in a part-time or full-time secure position

Pay employee under the Nursery Award with a minimum base rate of $21.38 per hour (Grade 1A) for the initial three-month period and $21.97 per hour (Grade 1B) thereafter, as varied by Fair Work

Provide a safe work environment as per the Work Health and Safety Act

Amend the observation and knowledge checklist

Provide employer mentor(s) for the employer mentoring program

Day 04 –06

With this background knowledge of what a career in horticulture might look like and a strong foundation of key workplace skills, candidates can proactively prepare themselves for long-term success and contribute to a successful workplace.

Allow contact from training providers Skillinvest and Melbourne Polytechnic where necessary

Allow regular visits from training provider mentors including 12 weeks of weekly visits and 7 weeks of fortnightly visits of up to 1 hour as part of the 26-week mentoring program

Provide employee induction including but not limited to onsite safety training

Provide any supporting evidence that may be required such as payslips and contracts

This program is time and cost effective for businesses, and provides valuable opportunities for Victorian jobseekers. Submit your interests to rachna@ngiv.com.au

For more information, scan the QR code or contact Rachna (Richie) on 0488 083 864.