October 23, 2009A Brisbane-based coffee machine distribution company is going up against some of the best trainers in the country as it competes for Small Employer of the Year in the
Australian Training Awards.
From its Milton office and warehouse complex,
Gilkatho sells fully imported Swiss coffee making machines, distributes a range of freshly-roasted coffees and provides a range of onsite and workshop repair services to clients.
After taking out the state title earlier this year, Gilkatho Managing Director Wayne Fowler faces a tense wait over the next few weeks before national winners are announced in Canberra on November 19.
Fowler says because of the specific nature of his company, Gilkatho has a focus on staff training that goes beyond the investment most businesses make.
“Training helps our employees to develop their careers while giving our business a highly skilled workforce and a sustainable competitive advantage in the market,” he says.
Putting promises into practice, more than half of Gilkatho’s staff are currently undergoing formal certificate level training.
“Our philosophy has always been that we find the right people with the right attitude and if they need to be trained to do the job, we are happy to do that,” Fowler says.
The Australian Training Awards are considered the peak, national awards for vocational education and training, recognising innovation and excellence in the training sector.
Twelve award categories are presented at the finals, including seven organisational categories.
The only other Queensland finalist within this category is Blue Dog Training, which is up for Small Training Provider of the Year.