Supermarket giant wins state employer award

It may be a big business but it’s the small things that Coles stores in Darwin did for struggling job seekers that saw it win Mission Australia’s 2013 Northern Territory Employer of the Year award.

Coles, which has five stores in the Darwin region, took out the award from a field of businesses that Mission Australia’s Employment Solutions Team works with to find stable jobs for people who’ve been out of work or require additional skills, training and support.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions Manager Dean Procter said Coles went above and beyond to help workers referred by them.

“Coles shone out from the rest because of their willingness to teach people new skills and provide a range of employment options for job seekers to find their feet and niche, such as butchering, working in the bakery or on checkouts,” Mr Procter said.

“We’ve had numerous clients go through their Indigenous Employment Program and each time Coles has willingly worked with the individual’s personal circumstance to ensure continuity of employment and the very best outcome for everyone.”

Mr Procter said Coles provided skills development and a variety of hours to suit the many different job seekers in the Darwin market.

“Any business that commits to hiring job seekers with significant challenges or who require extra support, deserves recognition,” he said.

“Coles has not only made a difference to these workers’ lives by helping them turn around their circumstances, but the whole community and Mission Australia congratulates them.”

Coles’ Zone HR Manager SA/NT Roncie Briggs said winning Mission Australia’s top employer award for the Northern Territory was a great thrill.

“Coles is continually striving to develop as a leader in employment and training, so awards like this provide fantastic recognition of the programs we’ve put in place and our ongoing commitment to generating new job opportunities for people across the Territory and Australia,” said Ms Briggs.

Job seekers are referred to Mission Australia from Centrelink and other health providers.

Coles will now go in the running for the national award to be announced on 8 October 2013.

The national winner will be recognised at a gala dinner in Sydney with a prize to the value of $5000.

For more information visit www.missionaustralia.com.au