Jobs Victoria
Total Window Concepts is Australia's largest wholesale manufacturer of custom made window furnishings. Forming a partnership with Jobs Victoria and Choice Career Services, the business has been retraining ex-auto industry workers and fostering a community-minded and productive work environment.
Originally formed in 1997 with 19 staff, the Hoppers Crossing-based business now has over 300 employees working across 16 factories in Melbourne’s west. Owners Mary and Greg Campbell actively promote equal opportunity and welcome diversity. They are passionate about the benefits of local manufacturing for our economy, creativity and innovation and for creating Victorian jobs.
Total Window Concepts engaged with Jobs Victoria Partner Choice Career Services, who specialises in Jobs Victoria participants who are ex-auto industry workers. Jobs Victoria was able to assist Total Window Concepts with their recruitment needs by offering them access to ex-auto workers with the right combination of skills, attention to detail and quality control they need for their production process. An excellent partnership was formed.
Laddaaporn Kuntavong at work at Total Window Concepts
Choice Career Services connects Total Window Concepts with jobseekers who are job-ready, with the right skill set and a positive attitude. So far Total Window Concepts has employed four people though Jobs Victoria, with plans to recruit an additional 15 participants in the near future.
Mary says, “Jobs Victoria listened to our brief and … the match-up of skills has been really exciting.”
Total Window Concepts assesses each candidate’s skill set, identifies any gaps, and supports them to upskill where necessary. The working culture at Total Window Concepts is positive. Staff satisfaction is reflected by the impressive number of employees with longevity in their tenure, boasting over 10 and some 20 years of service, building a sense of ownership, expertise and intellectual property, which are highly valued and shared with new employees.
Laddaaporn Kuntavong is one of the Jobs Victoria participants working at Total Window Concepts. As an ex-auto worker, she was anxious about finding work after the Toyota closure. The skills she developed in the sewing room at Toyota were of great value to Total Window Concepts. She feels lucky to be working in such a warm, happy and multicultural environment. She has made friends and learned on the job from more experienced colleagues.
“I would definitely recommend Jobs Victoria to other employers because it's been a mutually beneficial connection,” said Mary.