In episode S4-3 of the Coast and Commerce podcast, our host Ben Amos interviews Dave Biggar, CTO of Zone Manufacturing, discussing his journey from boat building to the RV industry, the establishment of Zone RV, and the challenges faced in manufacturing. They explore the importance of innovation, the advantages of being based on the Sunshine Coast, and the future vision for Zone Manufacturing, which includes exciting projects in aerospace and rail. Dave emphasises the significance of understanding staff capacities, looking sideways for business opportunities, and the role of digital transformation in business growth.

Takeaways

• Dave Biggar's journey began with boat building and evolved into RV manufacturing.
• Zone RV was established to innovate within the caravan industry using composite materials.
• The transition from custom boat building to mass production in RVs presented significant challenges.
• Understanding team capacity is crucial for sustainable growth in business.
• Innovation doesn't always mean creating something new; it can involve improving existing processes.
• The Sunshine Coast offers a unique environment for business growth and innovation.
• Zone Manufacturing aims to diversify and scale across multiple industries.
• Digital transformation is key to enhancing operational efficiency and product development.
• Collaboration and building a strong team are essential for overcoming manufacturing challenges.
• Exciting projects in aerospace and rail are on the horizon for Zone Manufacturing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment

00:56 Dave Biggar's Journey to Zone Manufacturing

04:49 Transition from Boat Building to RV Manufacturing

09:58 Establishing Zone RV and Early Challenges

11:49 Current State of Zone RV

13:46 Expansion into Zone Manufacturing

18:49 Innovation and Digital Transformation

23:51 The Sunshine Coast Advantage

27:09 Future Vision for Zone Manufacturing

29:57 Advice for Entrepreneurs

35:05 Exciting Projects on the Horizon

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-3

In this conversation, Ben Amos and Tara Jacobson from Groei Education discuss the urgent need for educational reform to better align with the rapidly changing demands of the workforce. They explore the disconnect between what traditional education provides and the skills that industries require, particularly in the context of advancing technologies like AI. Tara shares her journey in innovating education through Groie Education, focusing on creating programs that equip young people with both technical and soft skills. They also delve into the challenges businesses face in adapting their recruitment processes to attract and retain younger generations, particularly Generation Z, who seek flexibility and meaningful work. The discussion highlights local initiatives aimed at fostering talent and creating pathways for employment on the Sunshine Coast.

Takeaways

• Education is not providing the real-time skills needed for the workplace.
• There is a disconnect between industry needs and what education provides.
• Innovative education solutions are necessary for regional small businesses.
• Micro-credentials and stackable skills are the future of education.
• Businesses need to rethink their recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Young people are looking for flexibility and opportunities to explore.
• Emotional intelligence and soft skills are critical for the workforce.
• Creating 'purple people' combines both technical and soft skills.
• Local initiatives are essential for talent retention and pathways to employment.
• Collaboration between education and industry is key to addressing workforce challenges.

Chapters

00:00 The Disconnect Between Education and Industry Needs

06:08 Innovating Education for Future Skills

12:00 Rethinking Recruitment and Onboarding

18:44 Creating 'Purple People' for the Workforce

25:38 Adapting to Generation Z's Workforce Expectations

35:23 Local Initiatives for Education and Employment

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-2

In the first episode of Season 4 of the Coast and Commerce podcast, Ben Amos speaks with Stella Romagnoli, coordinator of the Diverse Queensland Workforce Program. They discuss the importance of a culturally diverse workforce, the challenges faced by migrants in finding employment, and the benefits that hiring migrants can bring to businesses on the Sunshine Coast. Stella shares her personal experiences as a migrant and the mission of the program to connect skilled migrants with local employers. The conversation highlights the need for cultural diversity in the workplace and the support available for both migrants and employers.

Takeaways

• A diverse workforce enhances problem-solving and team connectivity.
• The Diverse Queensland Workforce Program aims to match migrants with local employment.
• Many migrants face barriers in the job market due to lack of recognition of their skills.
• Employers often have misconceptions about the complexity of hiring migrants.
• The program provides free services to both employers and migrants.
• Cultural diversity in the workplace fosters better connections among staff.
• Employers can benefit from the long term loyalty of migrant employees.
• The Sunshine Coast has potential for greater multiculturalism.
• Support services are available for migrants facing challenges in employment.
• Employers are encouraged to reach out for assistance in hiring migrants.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of a Diverse Workforce

04:57 Understanding the Diverse Queensland Workforce Program

10:44 Challenges and Misconceptions in Hiring Migrants

16:45 Connecting Employers with Migrant Talent

20:35 Cultural Benefits of a Diverse Workplace

24:47 Supporting Migrants in the Sunshine Coast

29:31 Final Thoughts for Employers

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-1