Imagine a company that has found work for a population almost the size of Coffs Harbour, trained more than 20,000 people and helped thousands of small businesses start-up and grow. Well, that's exactly what local company Enterprise & Training Company (ETC) has achieved over the past two decades.
ETC turns 20 in March and the company's general manager, Michael Close, said it was an important time to reflect on the enormous contribution ETC has made to the Mid North Coast community.
"ETC was formed by a group of astute local business people that identified the growing need to address the area's high unemployment," Mr Close said.
"With a vision to contribute to the social and economic sustainability of our region, ETC, or SkillShare as it was originally known, began in the Mudbrick complex on Duke Street in Coffs Harbour in 1989."
"Twenty years on, ETC is now the leading provider of employment services on the Mid North Coast. The company employs more than 100 people and has offices in Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Dorrigo, Nambucca, Kempsey, Taree and Port Macquarie. ETC has also recently commenced operations in Liverpool.
Mr Close said ETC has had a significant impact on the local community over the past two decades. In particular, ETC has placed 43,256 people in jobs since 1989, helped a large percentage of Mid North Coast employers to fill vacancies, and provided a professional recruitment and temping service. The organisation has provided guidance to approximately 29,000 people to start and grow their small businesses, and has delivered a range of training and business support programs developing the skills of around 21,400 people.
Co-founder and original ETC Committee Member, Steve Little, said "ETC's success brings a great glow to my heart. I am so proud of what has been achieved."
As a not-for-profit community organisation, ETC's vision is to be a significant contributor to the economic and social development of our region.
Mr Close said ETC had demonstrated commitment to this vision by contributing in excess of $25 million to worthwhile community projects over the past 5 years (2003-2008) including, sponsorships, scholarships, pilot programs, philanthropic donations, and coordination of the ETC Business Club. Over the past 20 years ETC's financial and community support has been vast and far reaching. ETC also supports the local film, TV and screen media industry by co-funding ScreenLinks, the NSW regional screen office for the Mid North Coast and Armidale regions.