PACCAR Australia – manufacturer of heavy-duty truck brand, Kenworth – has been named Employer of the Year at the Victorian Government’s 2012 Training Awards. This is the second time the company has won this coveted award; the first being in 2007.
More than 900 people, representing leading small and large businesses, industry associations and training providers, attended the gala awards ceremony held at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne. Now in its 58th year, the Victorian Training Awards highlight exceptional achievements in vocational education and training.
The Employer of the Year Award recognises PACCAR Australia’s outstanding commitment to skills and career development in meeting business needs and providing growth opportunities for employees. It also acknowledges the extensive training provided to the PACCAR dealer network Australia-wide. The company will now represent Victoria at the 2012 Australian Training Awards to be held on 16 November in Melbourne.
The Victorian Minister for Higher Education and Skills, The Hon Peter Hall, MLC, presented the award to PACCAR Australia’s Managing Director, Joe Rizzo, congratulating the company on its innovative approach to employee education and skills training (pictured).
“It is a great honour to be recognised as the best employer in the state – and it’s doubly so for us,” Mr Rizzo said. “This is testament to our long-term commitment to maintain a highly-skilled workforce, so that we can continue to produce world-class products and services.
“Our training strategy has been targeted at developing skills to improve safety, quality and productivity, and reduce waste. Since 2007, we have dramatically increased the extent of training provided. In 2011, over 29,500 training hours were delivered to our 850 employees – that’s an increase of 44 percent since 2007, and covering a wider range of skills. We also continue to provide extensive training for our Australian dealer network,” Mr Rizzo said.
Since 2007, more than 650 employees have completed or are enrolled in PACCAR-sponsored education programs. These include trade skills, such as certificates in automotive and process manufacturing; as well as management programs, including certificates and diplomas in business administration, automotive sales, and supply chain and logistics management.
In addition to being crowned Victorian Employer of the Year for 2012 and 2007, the company was inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame earlier this year – joining an elite group of manufacturers, including Ford and Toyota.