Regional Skills Project Regional Forums

Regional Skills Project Regional Forums

Introduction

Phase 1 of the Regional Employers’ Alliance Project (REAP), in 2007, involved working across the REAP sectors with local employers in the four regions originally targeted - Central Highlands Queensland, Upper Hunter New South Wales, Northern Tasmania and South West Western Australia - to understand the challenges they face in attracting and retaining skilled and semi-skilled workers. Working closely with each of the regional facilitators, LGMA conducted interviews, discussions and two forums in each region. This led to the framework of an alliance of regional employers willing to work together on cross-sectoral workforce development projects.

The regional projects recommended to the then Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST - now DEEWR) for Phase 2 implementation in 2008 are listed below. The four projects were developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders and national REAP project partners. The projects are unique and focus on the particular needs of the region:

Central Highlands Queensland Project:
‘Grey Nomads’ Seasonal Workforce Attraction – Mature Worker Attraction

The project aim: to provide work opportunities for mature workers, especially mature semi-retired travellers – ‘Grey Nomads’ – in areas where there are skill and labour shortages. The project will match the skill needs of local industries to the skill sets and skill development potential of an experienced travelling population.

Upper Hunter New South Wales Project:
Investing in Pathways to the Future –
Skills Cluster Training/Pathway for Cert I & II – Small Plant

The project aim: to develop common occupational skill sets, or clusters, and associated training and accreditation by looking at what people do that is common across sectors, and not what sector they do it in. The project will focus on the development of flexible career pathways that are mobile across industries and sectors by enabling people to work cross-sectorally within the Upper Hunter, thereby retaining the skill sets in the region.

Northern Tasmania Project:
Investing in the Region – Skills Cluster Training/Career Pathways for Sustainable Living with Transferable Land and Environment Management Skills

The project aim: to develop a skills and career pathway for an up-and-coming skill set that reflects the needs of a range of industries across sectors, particularly the growth industries in horticulture and forestry. It is also intended that this career and training pathway could make the Northern Tasmania region attractive as a location for industries as well as for people seeking retraining, up-skilling and/or relocation.

South West Western Australia Project -
Professional Development of Secondary School Teachers and Other School Career Advisors

The project aim: to provide secondary school teachers and school career advisors with awareness of regional REAP sectors’ career pathways and associated training requirements and opportunities.