Geraldton workforce development company changes hands after $10 million debt forces it into administration

The doors of a workforce development company’s Geraldton office have closed after it went into voluntary administration last month. Skill Hire, a career development and employment agency specialising in training work ready skills for jobseekers with offices in Geraldton, Albany and Bunbury, went into voluntary administration on May 1. Administrator Rob Brauer from McGrathNicol said the final employee left in the Geraldton office had resigned and it was not viable to keep the office open. The company accumulated almost $10 million in debt to employees and creditors, which has since been repaid, with some creditors receiving dividend statements. The company was bought by IntoWork Australia Limited, a not-for-profit provider of employment, skills and education, and support services, meaning the 700 employees are able to keep their jobs. “Skill Hire operates across WA and its new owners will continue to service the regions” Mr Brauer said. The office in Bunbury will remain, while the Albany office changed premises.