Developing a Regional Workforce: Proactively planning for employment growth
Posted on December 5th, 2018
Following on from the highly successful and informative November 8th Major Projects Forum, where major infrastructure projects and proposed timelines were discussed, this morning’s Developing a Regional Workforce Breakfast was an opportunity for business and industry to review and prepare for the workforce challenges ahead.
Presentations by a cross section of industry bodies, training groups including CQUni plus workforce strategists informed guests of opportunities and support that is available in the key areas of business development and progressing skills requirements. Importantly presenters for the Construction Industry (Master Builders and Construction Skills Qld) highlighted the issue of labour skills shortages (both existing and emerging) with an estimated 3000 new positions to be filled (recruited or trained) to meet projected labour demand for identified projects!
Over 50 registered attendees heard from a select panel of industry experts, including:
- Deb Mead, Regional Manager, AusIndustry
- Ben Hughes, EconomX
- Dennis Bryant, Regional Manager, Master Builders Qld
- Bruce Fyfe, Industry Engagement Manager, Construction Skills Qld
- Peter McDuff, Regional Director, Central Queensland Region, DESB&T
- Peter Heilbuth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor VET Operations and Growth, CQUniversity
- Plus others including James Scotland, AIGroup.
Capricorn Enterprise Regional Economic Development Manager, Neil Lethlean, said, “Upcoming Infrastructure Projects will generate a multitude of new Jobs and employment opportunities for our area. To proactively respond to the challenge, we need business and industry input, support and commitment.”
A strategy meeting that followed the Forum unanimously endorsed the development of a regional projects pipeline, incorporating labour force requirements, industry sector involvement plus project timelines that will set the pathway forward for proactive action and interaction with Industry and Government.
Watch this space!
Presenters (L-R): Neil Lethlean, Bruce Fyfe, James Scotland, Peter McDuff, Peter Heilbuth, Deb Mead, Dennis Bryant, Ben Hughes.
