Small Employer of the Year

Sponsored by NT News

Winner: Electric NT

Electric NT has been operating in the Territory since November 2008. It specialises in a number of commercial electrical applications, including air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, mining facilities, commercial cooking and food preparation equipment and water and sewerage pumping systems.

The business provides ongoing training in trade-specific areas and in safety. It employs four apprentices, seven electricians and two administration staff. In 2014, three Electric NT apprentices won a number of training awards.

In 2016, Electric NT was invited to join the Carrier Controls Expert Program - the first Australian organisation asked to do so. More than 600 organisations belong to the program in the US. The program certifies technicians to deliver the highest level of expertise in installing, calibrating and servicing Carrier HVAC controls systems, requiring dedication to controls training and continuing employee education.

Having a well-trained workforce where sharing knowledge is promoted benefits Electric NT by increasing productivity and the team’s knowledge base.

Runner up: Nail Lovers Darwin

Nail Lovers Darwin was established in Casuarina Square in 2012 and specialises in nail care, treatments and enhancements. The business started with five employees, including its two founders. It now employs 10 people - two senior nail technicians, seven manicurists and one receptionist - in a combination of full-time, part-time, casual and apprentice capacities.

Two staff are currently completing a Certificate II in Nail Technology through CDU. Another two are with the Australian Apprenticeship program. The director of the business recently completed a disinfection control course through CDU.

Nail Lovers Darwin was the proud winner of Best Retailer of the Year in 2014 in the service category and came second in 2015.

For Nail Lovers Darwin, training staff has meant better work health and safety practices and productivity improvements. Staff turnover has also decreased dramatically since the business has increased its investment in training.