Softly Landed
I got this photo by text from my client Ben Furney Flour Mills while I was in my local Westfield. “Softly landed” was the accompanying caption. It stopped me in my tracks and my chest swelled with joy. We always land our candidates ‘softly’ with a comprehensive welcome package, however this journey had been a really long one for all parties.
Client Background
An Australian-based company located in Dubbo, New South Wales, Ben Furney Flour Mills is a family-owned and operated business under the leadership of the Furney family. Specialising in the milling and production of various flour products, Ben Furney Flour Mills serves both domestic and international markets. Known for its high-quality flour products, including specialty flours and custom blends, the company is committed to maintaining traditional milling techniques while incorporating modern technology to ensure product excellence and consistency.
The Challenge
Ben Furney Flour Mills was referred to me by another client in the same region of Australia, built on bags of wheat. They had been struggling for months to fill their roster gaps. Another company feeling the effects of a population ageing out of skilled trades without newcomers to the workforce to replace them.
The company faced a compounded challenge because Grain Miller, Flour Miller, and Machine Operator are not on the Medium or Short Term Skilled Occupation Lists. These lists, maintained by the Australian government, identify occupations that are eligible for employer-sponsored migration. Without inclusion on these lists, Ben Furney Flour Mills could not sponsor skilled migrants through the standard employer-sponsored visa programs.
The staffing shortages had a profound impact on BFFM. They experienced a 40% decline in production, significant overtime hours for existing staff and reduced operating hours. The executive team was throwing everything they had at maintaining customer satisfaction, and their hard fought business reputation. Traditional recruitment methods, including job advertising platforms and social media campaigns, proved inadequate in attracting qualified candidates.
The Solution
You Solved worked with Ben Furney Flour Mills under a Company Specific Labour Agreement. This agreement allows Australian businesses to sponsor workers for occupations not listed on the Medium or Short Term Skilled Occupation Lists. It provides a tailored solution for companies with unique skill needs, enabling them to sponsor overseas workers for specific roles.
Stage One:
We embarked on a strategy to mine resumes and put them through the YOU SOLVED filtering model, ensuring only the best candidates were shortlisted. The SOLVED model includes:
- Source: Look where no one else does to find the best possible candidates.
- Organise: Assess skills, experience, financial readiness, and visa eligibility.
- Link: Match candidates’ skills and experience with the vacant position.
- Validate: Conduct additional layers of skills and work culture testing.
- Engage: Ensure candidates have a ‘soft-landing’ and realistic expectations.
- Develop: Conduct regular reviews for long term success.
Stage Two:
We facilitated two extensive video interviews with the shortlisted candidates, who were both offered positions having passed their pre-employment questionnaires. For the successful candidates we lodged an occupation nomination for Ben Furney Flour Mills and the visa applications for their selected candidates. The company nominations were approved within days, and the visas were granted shortly after.
Results
Ben Furney Flour Mills two highly skilled Millers arrived from Nigeria two weeks later, landing softly. This rapid and efficient process will allow Ben Furney Flour Mills to:
- Operate at full capacity
- Maintain and increase staff morale
- Achieve all revenue opportunities
- Maintain service standards
- Confidently proceed with planned renovation and expansion plans
The successful integration of these skilled workers provided the start of adding much-needed stability. The company will be able to focus on its ambitious growth and expansion strategies without the constant strain of staffing shortages.
Stability & Growth
The partnership between Ben Furney Flour Mills and You Solved showcases the transformative power of tailored recruitment and migration solutions. By addressing the specific needs of Ben Furney Flour Mills, we were able to provide top-tier talent that not only filled immediate gaps but also ensured long-term stability and growth for the company.
“Without the advice and support of You solved my client would not have filled a significant skills gap in their business. I and my client are so grateful for the help and guidance provided by your team – thank you” Nikki Tomasoni, HR Leader, Ben Furney Flour Mills
Achieve Your Own Success
If your business is struggling to find skilled workers and you’re considering looking internationally, contact You Solved today. Let us help you achieve similar success with our streamlined recruitment and migration services.
Ready to fill your Roster Gaps?
If your business is struggling to find skilled workers and you’re considering looking internationally, Click here to book a call with me. Alternatively follow our ultimate checklist and start the process of hiring internationally.
