Executive Summary
Choice was requested to deliver a comprehensive workforce transition program as part of the closure of its operations. This landmark program focused on supporting employees through career transitions, maintaining operational safety, and contributing to the economic resilience of the regional community.
The Business Challenge
The closure represented a significant social and economic shift for over 600 employees — many of whom were long-serving, highly specialised workers — and for the broader regional community. The client aspired to:
- Support employees into meaningful next steps: employment, retirement or retraining.
- Maintain safe, reliable operations during the transition.
- Build a positive legacy in the regional location through workforce and community support.
Our client sought an experienced partner capable of managing the complex human, operational, and stakeholder challenges of a large industrial closure.
Our Approach
Choice designed and delivered a holistic, people-focused program aligned to the client’s guiding principles of respect, safety, and big-picture thinking.
Key Elements of the Solution:
- Comprehensive Skills Audit
Used AI technology and one-to-one interviews to identify employees’ hard and soft skills, career aspirations, and opportunities aligned to the future of work. - Tailored Transitional Support Services
Delivered one-to-one and group coaching on career planning, job search, resilience, retirement planning, and small business pathways, with up to 12 months of post-exit support. - Stakeholder Engagement
Worked closely with unions, government, education providers, and local employers to coordinate support and create pathways. - Workforce Engagement
Built trust with employees through transparent communication, high-visibility presence, and consultants aligned with workforce culture. - Global Expertise
Leveraged insights from our international partners, OI Global Partners and Oneida Associes, to enhance community economic revitalisation and global best practice.
Outcomes
While the program is ongoing, previous similar projects illustrate Choice’s track record of success:
- Hazelwood Power Station Closure:
- 74% of employees engaged in the program.
- 78% achieved their transition goals within 3 months.
- Newmarket Gold (Stawell Mine):
- 75% of employees successfully transitioned.
- Jobs Victoria Program:
- 80% of 546 displaced automotive workers placed in sustainable employment.
Why Choice
At Choice, we do more than deliver standard outplacement. We partner with organisations to integrate with their teams, build workforce confidence, and deliver measurable, lasting outcomes.
We are proud to help our client create a meaningful legacy for its people and community — providing the skills, confidence, and opportunities to embrace the future.
Testimonials
“I can’t recommend highly enough the value of the outplacement support delivered by Choice.”
— Mark Wilkins, former HR Business Partner, Hazelwood Power Station
“They deliver outcomes. In excess of 80% of employees undergoing their programs make a successful transition.”
— Steve Cook, National HR Manager, OneSteel
“Choice were a valuable partner with us and provided excellent advice and support for the 140 employees affected by the closure of operations.”
— Ross Carpenter, former Operations Manager, Newmarket Gold
About Choice
Choice helps organisations manage the human impact of change and build human capability. We are the Australasian partner of OI Global Partners, giving clients access to global expertise and best practice.
