blackbearsolutions

Australia's Fitters & Turners Supply Crisis

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:30:50 GMT

��How about that weather lately��?
Not all of us get to kick back at a desk in air-con ��. For those who don't, here's 4 critical things to look at to keep your team safe when the mercury is high ��️

DRESS SMART

Where safety regulations permit, have your team wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
Provide wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and high SPF sunscreen.

HYDRATE

Drinking to thirst may not be enough in extreme temperatures.
Your team should be able to take sips every 15-20min.
Minimum 250ml every hour

REST BREAKS

Provide a cool shaded area and encourage REST during break times.
Reassure your team that they can take a break if they don't feel OK - even if it's not their official break time.

SAFETY TRAINING

Know the signs of heat-related illness:
dizziness
headache
nausea
heavy sweating
Stop work and cool down immediately if these occur.

For more tips on keeping your team safe, happy and productive over the summer months, give us a call ��

Keeping Your Team Safe Onsite in the Heat

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 02:15:27 GMT

DRESS SMART

Where safety regulations permit, have your team wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
Provide wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and high SPF sunscreen.

HYDRATE

Drinking to thirst may not be enough in extreme temperatures.
Your team should be able to take sips every 15-20min.
Minimum 250ml every hour

REST BREAKS

Provide a cool shaded area and encourage REST during break times.
Reassure your team that they can take a break if they don't feel OK - even if it's not their official break time.

SAFETY TRAINING

Know the signs of heat-related illness:
dizziness
headache
nausea
heavy sweating
Stop work and cool down immediately if these occur.

For more tips on keeping your team safe, happy and productive over the summer months, give us a call ��

Surprising Job Stats in Plastics Recycling

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 01:06:32 GMT

♻️ Plastics recycling is really taking off in Sydney's waste management industry - creating thousands of job opportunities along the way ��

Our green revolution is processing over 100,000 tonnes of plastic through our recycling facilities each year and reshaping our economy with 5,000+ people now employed in Sydney's recycling sector ��

Some recent wins worth celebrating:

♻️ Return and Earn has received 12.5 BILLION containers, resulting in 73% reduction in drink container litter and created hundreds of local jobs
♻️ Councils are rolling out smart waste management solutions like FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collection
♻️ Our waste transfer stations are getting high-tech upgrades for better sorting
♻️ Local companies are transforming plastic waste into everything from furniture to construction materials

Here's something interesting: for every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled, we create 9.2 full-time positions - that's triple the jobs compared to landfill operations!

Plus, our modern Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are using AI-powered sorting systems to boost efficiency and reduce contamination rates.

What innovative waste management or recycling initiatives is your organization implementing?
We'd love to hear about your sustainability journey! And the jobs it's creating and reshaping in your team!

hello@blackbearsolutions.com.au

#SustainableSydney #WasteManagement #GreenJobs #Recycling #CircularEconomy

5 Things Better Than Recycling

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:26:10 GMT

Planet Ark's National Recycling Week is back once again, and this year, the theme is "Join the Cycle," encouraging all of us to participate actively in making a difference.

As we gear up to celebrate this important occasion, it's essential to remember the five R's that can significantly impact our approach to waste management BEFORE you simply recycle:

**Reduce** Minimize the amount of waste you create.

**Reuse** Find ways to use items more than once before discarding them.

**Repair** Fix broken items instead of throwing them away.

**Repurpose** Transform items for new uses instead of letting them go to waste.

**Rethink** Consider your consumption habits and their long-term effects.

♻️ By making these conscious choices, we can keep valuable materials in circulation and out of waste, fostering a more sustainable future for everyone ��

#Recycling #NationalRecyclingWeek #NRW #JoinTheCycle #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #Sustainability

Same Job Same Pay

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 02:46:36 GMT

Legislation Enacted 1st November 2024 - Same Job Same Pay

Our country's "same job, same pay" legislation takes effect as of November 1, marking a significant step towards ensuring fair pay practices across all sectors.

For businesses with a workforce of 15 or more employees, it is crucial to note that any labour hire staff who have been with you for more than 3 months need to receive compensation that is equal to that of your direct hires who are performing similar work.

At Black Bear Solutions, we are committed to upholding these standards and ensuring that our team members' pay aligns with the wage benchmarks established by any host employer's agreement.

In fact, if your direct hires are earning more than the standard award, our labour hire staff will receive the same competitive rates as well!

#SameJobSamePay #FairWork

Workplace Safety Dangers: Poor Support

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:10:12 GMT

A lack of onsite support presents significant risks that can jeopardize the safety and well-being of your entire team. This is where partnering with a reputable labour hire company becomes crucial. Such a company plays an essential role in bolstering your safety measures by ensuring that only qualified and safety-conscious workers are integrated into your workforce. Moreover, they provide comprehensive on-the-job safety training that equips employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate potential hazards effectively.

However, the support from your agency extends far beyond just initial training.

Your labour hire agency’s commitment to safety continues with regular updates on safety protocols, consistent compliance monitoring, and easy access to a variety of health and safety resources. These elements are just a few examples of the ongoing support you should anticipate from a reliable recruitment partner like Black Bear Solutions.

At Black Bear Solutions, we are dedicated to supporting you and your team in working safely and efficiently. Our goal is to help you minimize risks and foster a secure working environment for everyone involved, creating a culture of safety that permeates throughout your organization.

For additional resources and support initiatives designed to further minimize risks for your team, consider exploring the guidance provided by Safe Work Australia during National Safe Work Month. Visit their website to learn more: Welcome | Safe Work Australia.

#NSWM #WHS #SafeWork

7 Snake Season Tips

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 02:19:31 GMT

Ssseven Tips to Keep Your Workers Safe Outside

Got workers outside at this time of year? Don't do anything else until you've checked this list �� for keeping them sssafe ��!

Signs like this one, keep eveyone aware and vigilant!
Clean up areas with long grass and piles of materials - snakes love these!
You can never do enough site inspections! Look for snake activity - especially in areas with dense vegetation, shade and near water.
Boots and gaiters on, preferably with long pants.
Stocktake the first aid kit - is it nearby, has it got compression bandages?
Safety training - how to apply that bandage to a snake bite!
Snake awareness training - types of snakes in the area, how to avoid provoking them

Keep everyone safe onsite not just this October for National Safe Work Month - but always.

#NSWM #SnakeSeason #WHS #Labourhire #Onsite

5 Tips to get the Most out of Your Recruitment Partner

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 03:04:15 GMT

To get the most out of your recruitment partner, let's first look at communication!

1. SET CLEAR GOALS.

Be specific about WHAT you need and WHEN you need it.

2. DETAILS!

Give loads of information about the job and type of worker you're after. The more info, the better the match!

3. KEEP IN TOUCH

During the interviews, or when your people are hired and onsite, stay connected with your recruiter. The more updates and feedback you give, the faster and better results.

4. SEEK ADVICE

Trust your recruiter's expertise and their intel on your industry. Your recruiter will be able to advise on feasibility of the campaign based off rate, location and skill set.

5. IF YOU'RE NOT GETTING THIS FROM YOUR RECRUITER - SWITCH!

If your current agency isn't providing this advice, or meeting with you often, or providing services like candidate care programs and surveys - switch to a recruiter like Black Bear Solutions!

These 6 Things Keep Workers With You

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:50:14 GMT

How to Retain Your Onsite Staff

Frustrated by turnover? We've found that these 6 things keep people onsite and there for the long haul.

1️⃣ Be upfront - make sure you've given a realistic expectation of what they'll be doing and experiencing - including all the benefits and possible growth opportunities, of course!

2️⃣ Give credit - wherever possible recognise effort and contributions to the team dynamic.

3️⃣ Invest in growth - this includes both money and time investment in upskilling and mentoring - the entire business will benefit!

4️⃣ Ensure your pay is competitive - people gotta pay the bills, and will seek out the higher-paid work.

5️⃣ Build an awesome workplace culture - if your workers feel like they belong and enjoy being part of your workplace community (because of the initiatives you implemented), they'll stick around!

6️⃣ Get their opinion - don't assume you know what makes your workers happy onsite - it could be the opposite - and you can't fix what you don't know is broken!

You might not get honest results if you ask personally or through internal surveys - so consider an external provider to run an analysis for you.

Black Bear Solutions provides complimentary candidate workplace surveys that provide insights into the things that your workplace does, or could do, to improve staff retention.

And we don't just dump a report in your inbox - we meet with you to discuss strategies for gaining long-term pay-off from your hiring, training and wellbeing investments.

Hire less, gain more, with Black Bear.

Where are all the Fitters?

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:47:21 GMT

Why can't I find a good Fitter and Turner?

That’s what we keep hearing – especially in the Sydney market. A good Fitter and Turner is hard to find!

So we’ve been asking around to find out what’s going on.

Let’s start with the dwindling numbers entering this profession:

There is less pull towards a job in labour-intensive work, where you’re likely to get a bit dirty, has lost its … ah hem… shine.
One look at a 1st Year Apprentice hourly rate is an immediate turn off
Those still keen for an apprenticeship are finding it harder to get a placement with fewer apprenticeship and traineeship programs on offer
Some apprenticeships aren’t being considered over because of a lack of interest (or understanding) of the company’s industry – such as waste management

But what about those already trade-qualified?

Industry-specific fitters have often moved on to different industries or project work
Common talk is that the big dollars aren’t here in the city – they’re out in the mines and with FIFO work
Many of our Fitters have moved off the tools into ‘desk jobs’ or management roles in their sector (we know a few ex-Fitters who are now recruiters ��)
And simply: there is such a high demand for Fitters and Turners in manufacturing, mining, construction, recycling and waste management that there are not enough skilled workers to go around

But it IS possible to find the Fitters you need – you just have to know where to look, and more importantly, the right people to talk to.

Trade schools: find out about up-and-coming tradies
Consider taking on your own apprentices and trainees
Industry Association and Union Groups: connect with their network of qualified workers
Post on Job Boards: although be careful it doesn’t cost you a lot of money for very little quality return
Social Media: LinkedIn is worth a shot, but in our experience, not many Fitters are here looking for work. Try some other sites but be careful you aren’t encroaching the ‘work world’ on their social space.
Word of Mouth – referral programs tend to work well
Look outside of your own industry – look for fitters from other fields whose experience still aligns with your business
Recruitment Agencies: like Black Bear Solutions, who specialise in your industry, will already have these connections and be able to match you with a qualified Maintenance Fitter who will not only have the skills you need, but be a great company ‘fit’ as well (pun intended)

When making your decision to hire, especially those coming from other industries or with less experience, consider the following things:

What is the skill deficit that needs to be bridged and how long will this take?
compared with
The cost of not having the position filled?
Quality workers require competitive pay. Fitters know from word of mouth who are the high payers and who are not. And will flock to those who pay more.

Overall, you need to look at the potential of the candidate , and hire based on trainability, reliability and attitude . And ensure that a strong retention plan is in place.

Your next Mechanical or Maintenance Fitter is out there – give Black Bear Solutions a call so they can introduce you, and set you up for ongoing success.

Waste Management: Paris Olympic Games

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:34:11 GMT

Paris takes the Gold in Recycling ��

At the Paris Olympic games, an inspiring commitment to sustainability is evident in the innovative use of materials.

Athlete beds have been crafted from recycled cardboard, while tables have been repurposed from old shuttlecocks. Sofas are fashioned from security barriers and stadium seating is made from bottle tops, showcasing a dedication to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. Even the serving counters are constructed from wooden pallets and podiums are creatively assembled from shampoo bottles.

Remarkably, 50% of the stunning purple running track is composed of renewable materials, demonstrating a conscious effort toward environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the medals awarded are crafted from 100% re-used metal, showcasing an impressive commitment to sustainability by incorporating iron sourced from the iconic Eiffel Tower.

It's a powerful reminder that our discarded materials can serve as valuable resources, not only benefiting the environment but also stimulating opportunities for growth within the waste management and recycling industries. Together, these initiatives are paving the way for a more sustainable future while inspiring creativity and innovation in resource utilization. ��♻️

Photos credit: International Olympic Committee

#Circul arEconomy #Paris #Olympics #WasteManagement

Fast Track Your Career: Recycling and Waste Management

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 13:34:11 GMT

It’s been so good to see our country increasing sustainability policies and practices. Good news for our planet, economy and local employment.

We’ve certainly seen an increase in demand for services in the Waste Management and Recycling Industry over the last few years, with more and more jobs being generated across all levels.

Check out the National Waste Policy Progress Summary Report National Waste Policy Progress Summary Report 2021 (dcceew.gov.au) – hundreds of job opportunities are being generated from this policy alone!

And yet - this sector is often overlooked for career opportunities because of the perception that waste and recycling roles are ‘dirty’ ‘smelly’ or of low pay.

This is far from the truth – but the misconception is actually great news for open-minded job seekers wanting to progress quickly in their careers. The workforce shortage in Australian waste and recycling makes way for those who work in it to upskill and move through the ranks faster than their peers in other industries.

Right now, we’re seeing unskilled entry level employees move like rockets into increasingly higher skilled and paid positions within weeks!

What sort of roles could you be doing in Waste?

If you’re starting out, companies are always looking for

Pickers
Spotters
Trades Assistants

With on and off the job training, your career can move into

Machine operator and driver roles with

Forklifts
Sweepers
Compactors
Scrapers
Excavators
Dozers
Graders
Front-end Loaders
HR/MR

Higher Responsibilities

Leading Hand
Supervisor
Manager

Trade and academic qualifications can be earnt and put to use as

Project Manager
EH&S Officer
Mechanic
Fitter
Welder
Site and Environmental Engineer

Administrative and sales jobs as

Administration Assistant
Weighbridge
Customer Support
Sales Representative
Business development manager

How to get started in a Waste and Recycling Career?

Scouting the job boards is one of the more obvious and popular avenues for obtaining work in Waste and Recycling. This is a great place to start but be aware – when a job is advertised online it is often bombarded with applications and you may find more success through other means.

Joining Waste Management and Recycling communities online is a great place to network – that old adage often still applies: “it’s not always WHAT you know, but WHO you know”.

Find a recruitment agency who specialise in this industry and show a genuine interest in you and your career goals. You're reading this on the Black Bear Solutions website - you're already WAY ahead on this one ��

Don’t forget to brush up on your industry knowledge – this is the special sauce that will get the interview and win the job. Browse LinkedIn articles, company blogs and their posts on social media to keep yourself in the know. A great recruitment agency, like Black Bear, will help you out here as well.

Solving the Skills Shortage in Building and Construction

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:34:11 GMT

Our building and construction industry is growing and becoming stronger

despite all the economic challenges in Australia.

But we’re facing a dilemma.

As the industry progresses, the availability of skilled workers remains a challenge.

We see this across all levels: general labourers, drivers, machine operators, tradies, trades assistants, engineers, site supervisors, operation managers, workplace health and safety… the list goes on.

Why is this gap happening?

Well, there’s lots of reasons including:

falling rates of apprenticeships and vocational training
not enough skill-updating for advances in tech and sustainability practices
lack of desire to work in remote locations
high turnover rates due to job insecurity or poor working conditions
an aging workforce
overall demand outweighing supply of workers

Can we fix it? Yes, we can.

Pushing for more government investment in our industry will help provide more upskilling opportunities, including increases in the number and appeal of traineeships and apprenticeships.

Calling on our industry bodies for more collaboration in this investment , particularly in our younger workforce, will help provide more training programs in areas in most need, such as emerging sustainability methods, and the rise of digital and AI practices in building and construction.

Investing in company culture and workplace health and safety initiatives is a win all round, but especially for reducing attrition rates and the costs that accompany it.

Black Bear Solutions can help you to avoid the project delays, higher expenses costs and problems with safety that accompany a lack of skilled workers on your site.

Let’s get the conversation started ��

The Revival of Local Manufacturing

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:45:27 GMT

Local Manufacturing

What our Country Needs, and Wants Right Now.

There’s been a shift in Australia’s manufacturing industry in recent years with the pressures of COVID-19 supply chain issues and consumer desire for higher quality, locally made and more sustainable products.

This demand is becoming easier and more affordable for local businesses to meet with the support of government initiatives, as well as the efficiency brought about by advances in technology.

Everyone is a winner.

Locals jobs, especially in regional areas, are supported not just in numbers but in the development of worthwhile skills, knowledge, innovative ideas, job security and career advancement. Local economies are strengthened, with increased social stability. Risks with international supply chains are mitigated and our production can be more environmentally sustainable through reduced carbon emissions.

Top Growth Areas

Advanced and Technology-Enhanced Manufacturing - AI is making it’s mark on production too!
Renewable Energy – rising demands for solar power and electric vehicles
Waste Management – a newer industry confronting
Food Supply – consumer desire for locally-sourced and made produce

The Challenge of Skills Shortages

Growth in local production comes with its challenges, with the need for both skilled and unskilled workers as one of the greatest demands. Even if companies can bring on enough people, an inability to retain quality staff will be a huge disruptor to their success.

Attracting and Retaining Quality Team Members in Local Manufacturing

Employer branding – make a clear link between the values of your workers and your organisation
Ensure market-competitive wages and consider performance bonuses
Provide career advancement opportunities: mentor programs, career pathways
Initiate valuable learning opportunities through training, workshops and certifications
Recognition and awards to celebrate performance, achievement, collaboration and milestones
Work-life balance: health and wellbeing programs, social engagements, flexible working conditions where possible
Constantly foster a culture of collaboration and value in the people who make the work happen – celebrate team success, resilience, cross-team engagements, ideas and creativity.

Black Bear Solutions is your partner in these initiatives. Give us a call to talk about market insights, ideas for action and strategies to bring you the highest quality team members in Australia’s rising local manufacturing industry.

We can help you with Assembly Workers, Forklift Drivers, Warehouse Labourers, Process Workers, Machine Operators, Production Workers, Pick Packers, General Labourers, Managers, Supervisors, Project Managers, Operations Managers and Sales