“Our economy is built on small and medium-sized businesses, so start taking them seriously.”
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s the message Wollongong small business owner Genevieve Digregorio has for every political party vying for her vote at the July 2 federal election.
Ms Digregorio runs Babyface Kitchen, on Keira Street, and currently has five apprentices. She wants to fill more apprentice positions but is experiencing barriers to employment – a plight not lost on the Illawarra Business Chamber (IBC).
Making it easier for employers to take on young apprentices and trainees sits atop the IBC’s list of election 2016 priorities.
“The biggest issue that we face is finding people that are willing to take the hospitality industry seriously,” Ms Digregorio said.
‘It is really clear there is a massive skills shortage in the Illawarra and especially in our industry.”
Ms Digregorio said apprentices were at the “forefront of our industry”.
“Our head chef Andy [Burns], he’s in control of five apprentices at the moment. It’s about teaching his skill to these young people … a lot of them are still kids – you’re mentoring, you’re helping them grow as a person,” she said.
“It’s not just about learning a skill, it’s about coming into yourself and building a career. You want them to follow on in your footsteps.”
IBC chief executive Debra Murphy said a shortage of trainees and apprentices was one of the key issues for businesses in the region.
“Skill shortages are rife and we don’t seem to be able to get it right in terms of our meeting of supply and demand,” Ms Murphy said.
Ms Digregorio also called for a streamlined incentive process for small businesses, saying owners often don’t have time to chase claims.
The IBC wish list, revealed on Wednesday, mirrors a wider Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry push to get Australia into a top-10 position on Global Competitiveness Index within 10 years. Australia currently sits at number 21.
TOP 10 PRIORITIES
- Apprentices and trainees
- Sustainable spending
- Workplace regulation
- Reducing red tape
- Workplace negotiations
- Company tax rate cuts
- Building of infrastructure
- Lower building costs
- Encourage innovation
- Cheaper visas to attract more international visitors