ICC Sydney Takes Innovative Approach to Talent Attraction and Retention

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is investing A$250,000 into professional development for its operational workforce.

The convention, exhibition and entertainment venue has partnered with TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute to deliver nationally recognised qualifications to staff.

The innovative approach to talent attraction and retention will shine a spotlight on part-time and casual workers, and facilitate career progression opportunities for both staff and selected TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute students, who will now be trained to ICC Sydney’s standards.

Over the next 24 months, up to 2,000 ICC Sydney team members will receive training through the initiative.

“ICC Sydney will be Australia’s premier integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct and we want to ensure our team is ready to be part of something extraordinary,” said Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney. “Our work with TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute will see tailored education programs developed for students across hospitality, commercial cookery, audio visual, business administration and security. The result will be a raft of talented individuals, trained to our world leading benchmarks in both capabilities and mindset. This will ensure they are primed for stellar careers with qualifications that are recognised nationally.”

Anne Cazar, R/Faculty Director – Tourism, Hospitality and Service Industries at TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute, said, “By investing in all workers, including casual staff, ICC Sydney is demonstrating a strong commitment to its workforce and we are very proud to be associated with them. This partnership has come about through a series of positive negotiations, collaboration and a desire by all parties to work towards a shared ideal about quality training, a critical investment in staff and a focus on best practice in service delivery.”

As part of the partnership, a TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute representative will be assigned to ICC Sydney to ensure all courses are aligned with its gold standard industry benchmarks.

Mathew Paine, Director of Human Resources at ICC Sydney, said the venue is currently undertaking a comprehensive recruitment drive to fill 1,500 casual and 300 full time roles ahead of the December opening.

“ICC Sydney will mark a paradigm shift in how business events are delivered in Sydney and we are looking for the best and brightest to be part of the journey. ICC Sydney is committed to strong on the job training. For example, from late September, the venue will undergo three months of intensive operational testing and this will see team members trained in-situ for every event type,” Matthew said. “While we no doubt have our work cut out for us, we believe our strategic approach to recruitment and the progression opportunities we provide as an employer will attract and retain the market’s top talent. Together we will do the extraordinary.”

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