Embracing development and career diversity

Eliza Withall from AKD

What is your position/role?

Fibre Supply Scheduler

How long have you been with AKD?

Three-and-a-half years

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

A typical day for me consists of load reconciliations with our log suppliers, managing the flow of logs into the Colac site, managing yard stocks, and working closely with external suppliers and supporting the production planning and log yard teams with information and advice.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Definitely the diversity in my role. I am primarily office based but enjoy the fact that I get to spend time out in the log yard, and forests visiting suppliers as well as the crews working in our plantations.

Can you share a memorable experience or accomplishment during your time with AKD?

My biggest accomplishment during my time at AKD would have to be transitioning into my new role as the Fibre Supply Scheduler. Prior to that I was the admin for the forestry department, so taking the next step in my career progression within the same team was very exciting for me. I have been really lucky to have such great mentors in my working career that have helped guide me to where I am now.

What do you think makes AKD a great place to work?

AKD actively provides and promotes development opportunities for the whole team. They are great at structuring development and training opportunities to cater for a wide range of people to ultimately achieve the goals they are striving for.

What opportunities for growth and development are available at AKD?

AKD provides endless opportunities for growth and development. They have a strong focus on encouraging their employees to develop in their roles. Programs such as the national apprenticeship, gap year, graduate programs and numerous internal training opportunities are fantastic examples of how AKD employees can grow and develop.

How would you like to grow in your role?

Being relatively new to the role, I still have lots to learn. Building my knowledge base and understanding in both the forestry and sawmilling aspects of the business will help me progress in my role.

What advice would you give someone considering a role at AKD?

Take the opportunities when they come. You don’t have to stay within in the same role, through experience you will soon learn the areas that interest you and there is plenty of opportunities within all areas of the business. There is something for everyone!