Being able to provide training which is tailored to the needs of an organisation while maintaining normal business operations is crucial for a large packaging company such as Hoxton.

A leading employer of people with disabilities, Hoxton saw a need to provide onsite training in order to upskill its workforce so it approached TAFE NSW to design a tailored training program.

TAFE NSW Wetherill Park worked with Hoxton Industries to develop a course to be delivered onsite to meet the needs of the business. Fifteen staff are currently completing a 20-week Certificate III Competitive Systems and Practices which incorporates safety

Sharon Schofield, Employment & Training Officer, Hoxton said, ““Eighty per cent of our employees are illiterate so we needed to work with a training provider who has that background and could adapt the training to the different forms of learning required.

“We have a long background with TAFE NSW. Over the years we have been trying to give staff extra qualifications to help them with their roles in the organisation.”

TAFE NSW Wetherill Park staff met with Sharon at the company’s premises in Hoxton Park to view the workplace, equipment and set-up as well as getting a firm understanding on what the business needed and tailored a course that would meet all requirements.

“We have also been able to change things in the training program as we need to, having that flexibility has been great as it means we can maintain operations without any disruptions but also give our staff the training they need.”

TAFE NSW teachers deliver the customised training onsite every fortnight and are broken up into two block sessions, which enables Hoxton Industries to rotate staff and provide additional support to staff who may need extra help.

“The onsite delivery makes it a lot easier for staff – it’s a familiar environment for them and it is being conducted during work hours. It’s no inconvenience to them; it’s just part of their fortnightly routine.”

Michelle Harris has been working for Hoxton Industries for over a year and enjoys the training aspects to her role.

“I enjoy learning new things; it’s also good as we get refreshed on things we may already know. I actually look forward to the classes. Our teacher is very supportive, easy going and it’s a great environment to learn in,” said Michelle Harris.

Hoxton has been in operation since 1969 and employs over 100 people with barriers to mainstream employment, including people living with disabilities.

“We are pleased we chose TAFE NSW as our training provider, there aren’t any risks, the training is consistent and the staff know what they’re doing.

To learn more about TAFE Enterprise customized training visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/enterprise or phone 1300 045 737.

Media contact: Teresa Lane, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner 9796 5476, mobile 0412 773 887