Yambuk Labour & Traffic Solutions (Yambuk), an Indigenous-owned business founded in 2021 by former AFL footballer Ronnie Burns, has made significant strides in providing employment opportunities for First Nations people and those living in regional Victoria.
With an office in Ballarat, Yambuk is dedicated to deploying skilled and dependable Indigenous workers and regional workers across various sectors, including civil construction and traffic management.
In this case study, we will go over the challenges Yambuk faced, the solution, the implementation of Assignar, the results, and Yambuk’s community investment.
"It showcased that our employees are accountable on-site and also punctual in turning up to work. We have a good relationship with Assignar, and it's doing wonders for Yambuk Labour and Traffic Solutions and also for our employees." – Ronnie Burns, Founder of Yambuk
Challenges
Operating in regional areas presented Yambuk with unique challenges, particularly concerning the management of a mobile workforce.
Management often travelled between two to four hours to reach each job site to check-in on staff and collect manual timesheets and forms, making traditional methods of data collection and timekeeping inefficient and cumbersome.
Ensuring punctuality, accountability, and effective communication among team members became increasingly complex as the company expanded its operations.
Solution
To address these challenges, Yambuk adopted Assignar, a cloud-based solution to simplify construction operations.
Assignar enables Yambuk to efficiently schedule crews and equipment, track time and work, and collect field data through customisable forms. This partnership facilitates real-time updates from the field, enhancing operational visibility and productivity.
Implementation
The implementation of Assignar was spearheaded by Ronnie Burns, who recognised the platform’s potential to improve operational efficiency. The transition to digital timesheets and scheduling allowed Yambuk to plan the day for their workers, specifying exact times and locations for site arrivals. This clarity not only improved punctuality but also empowered employees to manage their responsibilities more effectively.
With Assignar, Yambuk back office teams knows they are sending a suitably qualified worker to the site and that the worker’s qualifications and competencies are all up to date. The workers don’t need to remember to carry all of their qualifications with them because it is accessible in Assignar. Now, Yambuk operations help clients to have peace of mind knowing the right staff will be on their site, and the workers can easily account for their time spent working straight from the Assignar app.
Yambuk’s clients request staff by name because of the team’s strong accountability and professionalism. Workers who may come from challenging backgrounds now have the opportunity to shape their futures by proving their dedication and pride in their work. Having all the workers’ times and forms submitted from the app has taken away the hours of driving between sites to check on staff and pick up hard copy dockets, and this is the time clawed back that Ronnie appreciated channeling instead into expanding Yambuk’s operations.
“I began my career as a Traffic Controller when Yambuk first opened. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow and develop my skills that were able to give me the opportunity to become the Operations Manager and grow in the office.” – Kylie, Operations Manager
Results
Since implementing Assignar into their operations, Yambuk has experienced several positive outcomes:
- Enhanced Accountability: Employees are now more accountable on-site, with digital timesheets providing accurate records of attendance and work hours.
- Improved Punctuality: Clear scheduling and real-time updates led to increased punctuality among team members.
- Simplified Data Collection: The ability to collect data and timesheets electronically reduced administrative burdens and minimised errors associated with manual processes.
- Empowered Workforce: Employees feel more supported and connected, contributing to personal and professional growth within the industry.
Community Investment
Yambuk Labour & Traffic Solutions is making a meaningful impact by creating career pathways for First Nations people through dedicated traineeship programs. These programs equip participants with essential skills and hands-on experience, helping them build long-term careers in various industries.
By focusing on workforce development and reducing employment barriers, Yambuk is actively supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in achieving economic independence. Through these initiatives, they foster a more inclusive and skilled workforce, ensuring that participants have the tools and opportunities needed for lasting success.
Check out this article for more information on Yambuk’s traineeships: https://www.yls.net.au/2024/09/yambuk-labour-solutions-supporting-first-nations-people-through-traineeships.
“I joined here at Yambuk because cultural connection is really important to me, and being part of such a supportive team has helped me grow, not only as a person but also within the industry.” – Taylor, Traffic Controller at Yambuk
Looking Ahead
Yambuk remains committed to its mission of empowering First Nations people by providing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering cultural connections. The successful integration of Assignar has not only simplified operations but also reinforced Yambuk’s dedication to safety, quality, and community engagement. As the company continues to grow, it aims to further leverage technology to support its workforce and uphold its values-based culture.
For more information about Yambuk Labour & Traffic Solutions, visit their website at yls.net.au/.
