Article by Jason Seeto, Director of the English Language Centre

Costa, which operates the Guyra tomato glasshouses, is one of the largest employers in the New England region, employing a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) workforce which includes migrants, refugees and other members of the local community.  Some of the migrant workforce employed by Costa at the glasshouses, have come from Oceania, the Indian Subcontinent, Middle-East, East Africa and South-East Asian regions. Costa is committed to empowering and developing its employees across all organisational levels in all of its workplaces.

There was a very productive discussion earlier this year between the UNE English Language Centre (ELC) and Costa.  From this discussion, it was identified there was an English and workplace skills gap within the burgeoning migrant and refugee workforce, and the ELC has the proven skills and experience to bridge these learning needs with a fully tailored program.  One of the key specifications stipulated by the team at Costa was ensuring the course included ‘transferrable workplace English skills’, which would effectively empower its CALD workers to have greater career mobility both within the organisation, and outside of it depending on each individual’s career aspirations.

Costa glasshouse worker

In line with the decadal UNE Strategic Plan, “Future Fit 2021-2030” the ELC has been committed to establishing strategic partnerships with key industry organisations which share the same core principles and values as those held by the ELC.  As a result of our shared goals, a long-term strategic collaboration has been formed with Costa.  This gives us the opportunity to strengthen community and industry relations with a dynamic partner, whilst building resilience and sustainability across our range of services.

The Pilot of this strategic initiative launched in May 2021.  Costa has supported 32 of its CALD employees (a combination of supervisory and horticultural staff) to complete the Communication Futures Pathways Program, which is taught in two distinct on-campus classes.  The participants will be studying on a part-time basis, with class times carefully coordinated to fit with their full-time work commitments.  Costa HR Business Partner, Ms Eilish Dawson, said the program would help the employees gain valuable communication skills.  “We are pleased to be partnering with UNE’s English Language Centre to support our employees through this highly valuable program.”

The ELC takes great pride in being able to partner with a high-performing and passionate industry leader, whilst also building stronger presence and community engagement within our local region.

We look forward to providing positive updates further along our journey together.