Griffith University is launching a program to connect south-east Queensland small to medium businesses with skilled graduates and students called Griffith Talent.
Griffith Talent is a new online tool for employers to assess their needs and see how a student or graduate could help their business.
Griffith University employer liaison and graduate promotion manager Margo Baas said businesses survived on talent.
“Sourcing and retaining talented staff is one of the great challenges of running a business and Australia has seen a steady decline in the number of people entering the workforce since 1993.
“From our research into the small to medium enterprise sector, we have encountered large numbers of businesses that have either never thought of engaging with a student or have thought of it, but have never known where to start or who to contact,” Ms Baas said.
She said engaging with the SME sector could be challenging considering the size and diversity of businesses.
“As a strategic approach, Griffith has connected with existing SME industry networks and associations hosted by government and community groups such as the Chambers of Commerce, City Council offices of economic development and the Department of Education and Training agency Small Business Solutions, which provides small businesses access to one-on-one mentoring with experienced business professionals.”
Small Business Solutions state manager Philip Fung said their aim was to help clients to improve their business skills, profitability and long-term business growth.
“Thanks to our partnership with Griffith Talent, our clients benefit from additional day-to-day support to help them to grow their business.
“At the same time they’re giving the next generation of business leaders on-the-job experience,” Mr Fung said.
The online tool is available at www.griffith.edu.au/griffithtalent
