Geelong workshop wins top employer award

The Always There Automotive team celebrate at this year's Automotive Industry Awards. Photo: Always There Automotive.

A Geelong automotive business has been recognised as Victoria and Tasmania’s Employer of the Year, with its owners crediting a workplace culture that treats staff like family.

Always There Automotive took out the President’s Award for Employer of the Year at this year’s Automotive Industry Awards, beating dealerships and major corporate operators from across the two states.

Co-owner Craig Earl said he was stunned when the business was announced as the winner.

“We’re competing against dealerships and huge corporate companies and here we are, a small group of companies,” he said. “We employ around about 40 to 45 people.

“I couldn’t stop smiling – I looked like an idiot, probably, for most of the night.”

Always There Automotive has workshops in Anglesea, Grovedale, Lara, Ocean Grove and Torquay, as well as a garage in Ashmore, Queensland.

The Victorian and Tasmanian Automotive Chambers of Commerce present the annual awards to recognise excellence across the automotive industry.

The President’s Award recognises employers who demonstrate excellence across workplace culture, staff development, leadership and employee wellbeing.

Judging also considers employee education, training, health and safety, as well as social and environmental responsibility.

Earl said the recognition validated the company’s long-held approach to supporting its staff.

“They’re more like a family than employees,” he said.

“If we have a new apprentice start with us, we’ll buy them a $3,000 toolbox, which they get to keep. When they become a licensed mechanic, that’s our gift to them.

“They don’t pay for any of their school fees; we cover everything.”

Earl said the investment in staff had helped the business retain employees and foster a workplace built on trust.

“We’d rather keep someone than lose them and have to train someone else up,” he said.

“It’s also the feeling of being included in decisions – the guys and girls are entrusted to make decisions based on their expertise. We don’t micro-manage anyone.”