You can teach older workers new tricks

Forty years or so after leaving school, John Mulford, Peter Musienko, Richard Edwards, Grant Bates, Rhonda Stirton and Pauline Mulvogue have helped their long-term employer, Dingley Village’s ADM Systems Pty Ltd, win the 2012 Victorian Small Employer of the Year in the state training awards as a result of their study.

The award, presented by Victorian Education Minister Peter Hall, recognised ADM for enrolling its experienced workers in Vostro Institute’s Certificate III in Wholesale and Vostro’s Certificate IV in Business Administration.

Commenting on the awards, ADM’s owner Glenn Bates said the business had experienced a dramatic growth phase over the past five years, tripling sales and staff numbers, and he had recognised the need to upskill his loyal workforce.

“The only thing better than an experienced staff member is someone with current training,” Glenn said. “Six of my 14 people are over 60 and are all highly productive. I turned to Vostro Institute to give my team a step-up and the figures demonstrate that this investment has been one of the elements which have made this business thrive during the GFC.”

Congratulating ADM Systems on its win, Vostro Institute’s CEO Fred Brennan said an experienced registered training organisation can help make a significant difference. “Training expands a worker’s mindset and helps them recognise best practice.” he said. “What is great about ADM is that it has decided to do things differently to help them cope with the economy and they have succeeded. They deserve this state training award and I wish them every success going forward.”