Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) is building the next generation of Torres Strait retail leaders, with Waibene team members taking part in a new professional development pilot program preparing them for senior management roles.

The CEQ Professional Development Program, developed by Regional Manager Arthur Wright in collaboration with CEQ’s People and Workforce Culture team, aims to train and mentor local First Nations team members to take on the full management of IBIS and ABIS supermarkets.

Based on Waibene (Thursday Island), the Torres Strait’s largest community and retail hub, the program is designed to build the skills required to manage complex store operations while creating clear career pathways for local team members.

Building local capability

The pilot program focuses on supervisors, assistant managers and managers who have demonstrated strong potential and are ready to develop the advanced operational and leadership skills required to run large-format retail stores.

Participants receive mentoring, systems training and hands-on experience across key retail management platforms, while applying their learning in their current store roles.

CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the program represents an important investment in building local capability and leadership.

“CEQ is committed to creating opportunities for local people to build meaningful careers within their communities,” he said.

“This pilot program recognises the talent we already have within our store teams and gives them the training, mentoring and experience they need to step into senior leadership roles.

“Our goal is to develop a pipeline of skilled local leaders who can confidently manage our stores and ensure these essential services continue to thrive.”

Recognising those ready to step up

Mr Wright said the idea for the program came from recognising the strong potential already present among local team members.

“We already have local team members successfully managing many of our smaller stores,” he said.

“The next step is supporting those same team members to gain the broader operational experience required to manage our largest supermarkets.

“The response from team members wanting to be part of the program has been overwhelming, and this first group has embraced the opportunity.”

Positive start

Participants in the program are learning the operational, financial and workforce management skills required to run a large retail operation, while also gaining experience with retail and human resource management systems.

“Early feedback from the pilot has been extremely positive, with participants thriving in the training environment and enjoying the challenge of learning the many facets of managing a supermarket,” said Mr Dykes.

CEQ plans to refine the pilot before expanding the program to offer more opportunities for team members across its store network.