Western Advocate

How big business can help small towns make a difference in Australia​

VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell says that the whole team are driven by their desire to change lives by providing services that help people obtain the confidence, skills and qualifications they need to gain employment.
VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell says that the whole team are driven by their desire to change lives by providing services that help people obtain the confidence, skills and qualifications they need to gain employment.

This is advertiser content for VERTO.

There is a lot of promise to be found in regional Australia, and a lot that we can do to help small communities thrive. One organisation who understands the importance of supporting non-metropolitan towns is VERTO, one of the largest providers of employment and training services in the country.

Launched in 1983 as a regional evening college, VERTO has since grown to offer a broad and diverse range of services including vocational training, employment assistance and apprenticeships, as well as specialist programs to assist people with disability and Aboriginal communities.

Providing a single point of compassionate contact for their regional clients, VERTO’s successful growth has been in direct response to their ability to respond to community needs.

When it comes to the company’s core philosophy, CEO Ron Maxwell says that the whole team are driven by their desire to change lives by providing services that help people obtain the confidence, skills and qualifications they need to gain employment.

“We also support employers to find the right people to work in their business, which in turn boosts the economic health and well-being of both individuals and communities more broadly,” Mr Maxwell said.

How big business can help small towns make a difference in Australia​
How big business can help small towns make a difference in Australia​

By working with regional community members one-on-one, as well as with large organisations, VERTO have been able to witness, and better understand, the importance of investing in regional Australia. Such investments provide benefits not only to businesses, but also to individuals and the community at large.

This is why VERTO are passionate about helping big business to make a real difference.

For those companies who are choosing to capitalise on the opportunities that small towns have to offer, VERTO are on board to make the transition seamless for all involved.

“We have a strong track record of assisting businesses from a diverse range of industries and of various sizes, both small and large.

“Whenever an organisation comes to a regional area, our wide coverage across 40 plus offices means that we can provide a range of services that connect the community and the employer, making it easier to find employees with the right qualifications,” Mr Maxwell said.

As proud partners of the New South Wales Government, VERTO deliver a lot of their training under Smart and Skilled. As a result of this association, many of the training provider’s full qualifications are subsidised by the New South Wales Government for eligible learners.

This is hugely beneficial not only to individuals, but also to employers who may have recently opened up shop in regional communities.

How big business can help small towns make a difference in Australia​
How big business can help small towns make a difference in Australia​

“VERTO also provides customised business training to businesses, delivered to their specific staff and requirements.

“We can train an individual or a large group depending on their needs. So, whether it's a one day workshop or a full qualification that is required, we can deliver the right training for any business,” Mr Maxwell said.

In addition to having access to the support of VERTO, companies who broaden their business horizons to regional communities reap many unique benefits that competitive metropolitan areas do not offer.

“Unfortunately our major cities are suffering from overcrowding, and finding space for large-scale activities can be incredibly difficult. Even when the land is available on city fringes, it can be expensive when compared to a regional alternative,” Mr Maxwell said.

With a jobs boom underway, finding workers in metropolitan areas is also more competitive than ever before.

On a more positive note, the number of workers in regional areas outstrip the number of jobs, offering organisations access to a ready and willing workforce.

“Regional Australia has much to offer businesses, from the availability of land to a ready and willing workforce,” Mr Maxwell said.

Now more than ever before it’s important for us to support our regional communities, to keep our wider economy strong. With the assistance of training providers such as VERTO, big businesses have the potential to play a stronger role in the positive growth of these communities, helping small towns to make a big difference in Australia.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit VERTO

This is advertiser content for VERTO.