Developing a workforce for the future

Construction industry employers would benefit further from taking on apprentices from January 1.

Training Minister Peter Collier today invited Western Australian businesses to take part in shaping their future workforce when he released an issues paper to help drive the development and co-ordination of future skills and labour needs.

Mr Collier said the issues paper, WA's Workforce Development Plan: 'A Skilled Workforce for the Future', would guide workforce development policy and training delivery in line with the needs of the growing economy.

"Workforce development is aimed at building, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce to meet the State's economic needs of the future," he said.

"With the unprecedented scale of resources projects planned for Western Australia, there will be a significant increase in the demand for skills and labour in all industries and regions.

"It is imperative we build the supply of skilled workers to increase our long-term productivity and capitalise on opportunities as they emerge."

The Minister said construction industry employers would receive up to an additional $2,000 for apprentices completing their training from the beginning of 2010.

Mr Collier said the Building and Construction Industry Training Board decided to raise the maximum subsidy to $9,000 as an incentive to increase apprentice intakes, following a 40 per cent drop in commencements in 2009.

"The board believes many employers in the construction sector are still concerned about the economy and the bonuses are aimed at easing uncertainty," he said.

The board has applied an additional 10 per cent increase for country apprentices in the south of the State and 20 per cent for those in the north, bringing the subsidies to $9,900 and $10, 800 respectively.

The eligibility criteria for employers employing mature-aged apprentices has changed from 30 to 21 years of age.  This mature-aged subsidy is a bonus payment of up to $3,000 in addition to the existing subsidies for employers.  The subsidy recognises the increased costs associated with employing mature-aged apprentices.

The Minister said the WA's Workforce Development Plan: 'A Skilled Workforce for the Future' would address key areas such as:

·           labour market demand and supply on an industry and regional basis

·           identification of skilled worker and labour shortages

·           enhancing attraction and retention of skilled workers

·           increased participation in the workforce

·           the need for whole of government co-ordination

·           targeted use of migration

·           the need for comprehensive career development

·           enhancing the training and workforce development culture of organisations

·           strategies and actions to address issues and gaps.

"This will help ensure future skill shortages are minimised and WA is in a strong position to respond to economic opportunities that will emerge," Mr Collier said.

Development of the plan will be a consultative process, with submissions to be invited and a series of stakeholder forums and workshops arranged.

The plan will be co-ordinated by the newly created Department of Training and Workforce Development, which came into effect last week.

"As the name suggests, the new department will place greater emphasis on workforce development," the Minister said.

"In addition to its vital training role, the new department has broader responsibility - to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce to meet the economic needs of this State.

"The department will work collaboratively and co-operatively with industry, the community and Government to maximise workforce participation and provide a seamless transition from training into employment.

"Work is already occurring between industry and government stakeholders to identify workforce development implications of resources and construction projects, including the Gorgon project."

Mr Collier said these initiatives continued the Liberal-National Government's commitment to jobs and training in WA.

A copy of the issues paper, WA's Workforce Development Plan: 'A Skilled Workforce for the Future', is available on the Training WA website http://www.trainingwa.wa.gov.au/dtwd/detcms/apprenticeships-and-training/training-and-workforce-development/wa-workforce-development-plan-a-skilled-workforce-for-the-future.en?page=2 or by phoning Gary Fitzgerald on 9238 2460.