Industry hopes for solutions from new skills body

Employers in the resources sector would welcome opportunities to work with Jobs and Skills Australia on solutions to the industry’s crippling labour and skills shortages, a peak body says. The Albanese Government’s Jobs and Skills Australia Bill 2022 will lay the groundwork for the new statutory bod, described as an independent agency providing advice to government on workforce, skills and training needs. “The resources industry is already battling though the worst skills crisis in a generation," Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) chief executive Steve Knott said. "Factoring in expected additional demand from new projects and expansions, the industry and government will need to work more closely together on skills solutions than ever before.“AREEA welcomes the Albanese Government’s commitment to ongoing tripartite discussions to deal with these skills issues as best we can.“A wide range of responses will be necessary, including aligning VET-system outcomes with current and emerging industry shortages, more efficient mutual recognition of qualifications, skilled migration reform and more.” Last week AREEA released new modelling showing 107 new and expansion major resources and energy projects will drive demand for at least 15,000 new employees over the next two years, and conservatively 24,000 employees over five years.When factoring in the construction workforces required to build new projects, the total job creation could be near 100,000. Related: Industry alarm as workforce demand spikes Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor . Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said the skills and labour shortages across industries was a critical priority of the new government. "After nearly a decade of inaction under the previous government, made worse by the decision to abandon migrant workers during the pandemic lockdowns, it’s vital to plan and to act to ensure that Australia has the skills it needs," he said. JSA will also examine the adequacy of the VET system in delivering these skills and making sure Australians of all backgrounds have the training and skills to access job opportunities now and in future. Mr O'Connor said Jobs and Skills Australia would have a tripartite approach with state and territory governments, industry, employers, unions and training providers, and promote a training system that met the needs of employees, employers and the economy.

Industry hopes for solutions from new skills body

Industry Queensland

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