Hear It Direct: What The Next Generation Want From Employers - Book Now!

As industries evolve and workforce demands shift, understanding the expectations of the next generation is essential for employers seeking to attract, retain, and develop future talent.

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s next event – 7:30am Thursday 5 June at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, Proserpine Mill – will explore what today’s apprentices, trainees, and early career professionals value most in a workplace; from culture and leadership to flexibility, purpose, and career progression.

Attendees will hear directly from local apprentices and trainees from Wilmar and Filby’s Motors – as well as key insights from the Regional Jobs Committee – who will share real-world insights and lived experiences, gain practical tips for fostering supportive and engaging work environments, and consider how to future-proof their workforce strategies in a competitive labour market.

“This event is all about hearing from the next generation — young workers, apprentices, trainees, and early career professionals — who will talk honestly about what matters most to them,” said Chamber President, Allan Milostic.

Local speakers will share with attendees:

What makes a job worth showing up for?
What do young people want from their bosses and workplaces?
How important are things like flexibility, respect, support, and career growth?
What’s missing — and what needs to change?
What does it mean to you to work for a local business?

The Chamber is proud to partner with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables for this event, an active member of Chamber and the region’s business community.

Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea said the team was looking forward to hosting Chamber members and other representatives from the local business community ahead of the start of the 2025 production season.

“As a major employer in the region, and significant employer of apprentices and graduates, we’re always keen to better understand what makes a particular job or workplace environment appealing to young people,” Cory said.

“We’ll have some of our apprentices participating in the panel session to talk about their experiences and share what’s most important to them as employees starting out in their careers.”

The event will also include an update on Chamber advocacy activity and business community engagement.

This event is open to all and you can register now!

Registration: FREE for Chamber and Tourism Whitsundays members, $18.75 for members of our Association Partners, and $25 Non-members. Includes breakfast treats.

Visit the Chamber’s website to register: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/chamber-connect-at-wilmar-proserpine/

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

What: What does the next generation want from employers?

When: 7:30am-9:00am Thursday 5 June 2025

Where: Wilmar Sugar & Renewables, Proserpine Mill Social Club, 3 Mill Street, Proserpine

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