Frizelle Sunshine Automotive Group – Employer of the Year

Work experience trials (internships) prove to be the key to success in recruiting top trainees and apprentices

Frizelle Sunshine Automotive Group has been announced as the ETC Gold Coast Employer of the Year for their work in 2021, giving many vulnerable people job security during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operating in 7 sites from Springwood (Qld) to Lismore (NSW), Frizelle’s partnered with employment and training provider ETC to assist them in finding suitable staff.

This partnership has seen many job seekers secure work in a variety of positions including Apprentice Technicians (Mechanics), Tyre Fitters, Spare Parts Interpreters and Car Detailers, throughout the Gold Coast and Northern NSW regions.

According to Service Staff Development Manager Brendan Dennett, a key factor in their recruitment strategy is utilising work trial opportunities such as the PaTH Internship’s for eligible participants.

During the Internship, Frizelle’s provides onsite training, which includes using advanced hands-on Diagnostic Equipment in their state-of-the-art Training Centre in Arundel.

“This pathway gives participants a chance to show us what they are capable of, but just as importantly, we are able to show them what we can provide them in the future. So, it’s a two-way street,” said Mr Dennett

“If we show somebody that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel or a future in our business, they are much more inclined to want to participate.”

This strategy has proved very effective, with an 86% success rate of moving into paid employment.

Mr Dennett also highlighted the importance of investing in current staff.

“We offer training and provide future opportunities for people already in our business, which opens up future opportunities for new people to come into our business.”

“We currently have 277 apprentices and trainees. So, we offer traineeships, future development opportunities, professional training, and training for all of our staff.”

Among the many unemployed people who secured work with Frizelles, was Murwillumbah job seeker Trysten.

He completed a PaTH Internship with Frizelles, which led to a position as an Apprentice Automotive Technician at their Robina Hyundai Service Department.

Now currently in the 3^rd year of his apprenticeship, Tristan has completely turned his life around.

“Brendan cares about the candidates we refer to him, and he takes his time to sort out where each would be best positioned within his company – to bring out the best in them,” said ETC Transition to Work (TtW) Recruitment Advisor Evan Mita.

“He personally engages with his employees once they are placed in their relative positions and regularly provides feedback to ETC, which ensures our job seekers have the best chance to succeed.”

Youth Jobs PaTH help Corey and Trysten turn their love of cars into a dream job! >>