Peloton WorkReady Has Answers to Workforce Shortages

Peloton WorkReady has helped more than 1,000 companies across the world to bolster their workforce, by providing ethical end-to-end solutions.

Headquartered in West Perth with offices in New Zealand, the Philippines, the UK and Dubai, Peloton WorkReady has placed more than 12,000 skilled workers from the Philippines over the past 20 years.

Brett McPhee, an overseas recruitment specialist, has owned and operated Peloton WorkReady for more than two decades, guiding the company’s service delivery through its holistic staffing approach.

“There are no other assessment facilities like ours in the Philippines, covering all the in-demand trades,” Mr McPhee said.

“We can set up any new trades very quickly because we understand the Australian training competencies."

“The key to success is being able to test candidates in a practical environment."

“We have specific teams set up to manage each step of the process and this includes sourcing, trade testing, visa processing, Certificate III processing, and deployment.”

Peloton WorkReady ensures each candidate is an optimum fit for a role by conducting thorough screening; testing English competency with selfassessments and technical competency exams first, before engaging candidates in practical trade testing with employers.

Skilled migration has the power to play a major role in solving current labour shortages in Australia.

“Many businesses can’t find or retain skilled labour and I cannot see this changing in the next five years,” Mr McPhee said.

“As the pool depletes, how do we continue to attract people to Australia? Wages are one way and pathways to permanent residency for temporary visa holders is another."

“If we could get visas approved quicker than they are at present, then it would make a significant impact on labour shortages.”

With the shortfall of construction workers, addressing labour shortages with overseas candidates is one of only a few options. Current obstacles in the migration system are hurting skilled tradespeople who want to come to WA from overseas.

Peloton WorkReady encourages employers to plan ahead due to these delays. 

A high priority for Peloton WorkReady is fighting misconceptions about foreign skilled workers relocating to Australia for work opportunities.

“There are certain perceptions in the market that overseas workers are cheap labour, but this is far from the case,” Mr McPhee said.

“The Department of Home Affairs dictates minimum salary and market salary evidence to be presented prior to visa granting. Border Force plays an active part in auditing sponsors.”

Peloton WorkReady is known for its ethical recruitment process, which includes lack of placement fees for candidates.

“We see it daily where candidates are being charged to come to Australia,” Mr McPhee said.

“Those candidates from the Philippines and other developing countries don’t have the funds to pay so they’re forced to borrow money from associated lenders at 3 per cent interest per month. They arrive in Australia bonded and in debt."

“We don’t believe any person should pay for a job and they certainly shouldn’t be bonded to an employer.”

Transforming lives for the better

 Increasing education around ethical recruitment is a key focus for Peloton WorkReady, with Mr McPhee saying the company was fighting to end modern slavery.

“We are constantly trying to educate employers and employees,” he said.

“Unfortunately there are some people that just look at the bottom line and don’t look at the results of their actions on those deeply affected."

“We present at conferences and educate people through social media and we always ensure we comply with the Modern Slavery Act.”

This compassion and ethical care for Filipino workers and their families contributes to Peloton WorkReady’s overarching mission to transform lives.

“We’re looking to transform over one million lives, but we want to make sure that employees we approve are high quality and it’s not simply putting someone into a role that won’t last,” Mr McPhee said.

“Quality is the key for us.”

This has always been Mr McPhee’s philosophy for overseas recruitment.

“I expect all candidates to have a four-to-ten-year plan of being in Australia. Anything less is not acceptable,” he said.

“The cost to employers is significant and they need to see a return on their investment into foreign labour.”

Peloton WorkReady continues to grow across the world and this year, it opened a new office in Brisbane and completed set-up of its Dubai office and workshop, further expanding its unique recruitment services.

To find out more please visit pelotonworkready.com