World Class People to Match World Class Plants at Alex Fraser Group

Australia’s largest recycler of construction and demolition materials is about to embark on a groundbreaking program of development that will see people at both entry level and middle management receive unprecedented levels of training and support.

THE Alex Fraser Group, already known for its leadership in the recycling industry, has recognised that people development and training underpins almost every aspect of business performance and is investing heavily in getting it right for the future.

Melbourne based Recycling Operations Manager, Dave Carrucan and Group Human Resources Manager Jeff Burns are spearheading the innovative new approach.

“We have already made the commitment to invest heavily in state of-the-art plant and equipment featuring world-leading design. The training development program will ensure that our people are also receiving the same level of investment,” Mr Carrucan said.

In partnership with the Box Hill Institute and SkillsDMC Alex Fraser is adapting the extractive industry’s training package to the particular demands of concrete recycling.

“Whilst we have much in common with the rest of the extractive industry, there are certain competencies that are specific to recycling. For example the skills required for our excavator drivers are more varied as they use implements such as the pulveriser and are required to handle waste steel as part of their day to day operations.

“As a result we are working on a series of training modules for our industry. We have enshrined our commitment to training in the latest Collective Agreement offering significant incentives for staff to receive extra qualifications and making extra training a pre-requisite to advancement within the company.”

An Internal Cadetship Program, designed to broaden the skills and knowledge of future managers at Alex Fraser, is also in development.

“One of the biggest opportunities this program provides is the chance to fully equip future managers with the skills and knowledge they will need to move into bigger and broader roles within the company,” Mr Carrucan said.

“Under the cadetship program, Crushing Plant Leading Hands will be exposed to other crucial sections of the recycling business including the workshop, transport, sales and the laboratory. They will also receive management and leadership training to develop leadership skills such as listening, setting goals and conflict management.

“Too often in management roles you see people who have either too many ‘soft ’ skills and not enough ‘hard’ skills or vice versa. This cadetship is designed to equip future managers with both hands on skills across key areas of the business as well as with the people management skills required to be a good leader.”

The investment in training and development comes at a crucial time in the history of the Alex Fraser Group as it moves from a family owned and operated business run by the McKellar family of Melbourne to a company majority owned by John Swire & Sons in 2010.

According to Jeff Burns Swire’s involvements in the Alex Fraser Group gives the Group enormous depth in terms of its resources, financial backing and potential job opportunities.

“John Swire & Sons have been in operation for more than 200 years and hold substantial business interests around the world in agriculture, industry, aviation, property, beverages, marine services, cold storage and road transport.

“People development is a key piece of the Alex Fraser Group’s strategy to remain the lowest cost producer, recognising that skilled people create less waste and lower risks in all areas of the business. If we continue to capitalise on our position in this way we will strengthen the business and secure a strong and viable future.

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