Future Workforce FrameworkSACOME calls for $2 million in funding to be allocated to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Skills to develop a South Australian Future Workforce Framework.
A suitably skilled workforce is critical to the growth of the South Australian economy.
During the current cyclical upswing, South Australia has faced competition for labour from both the eastern states and Western Australia. This has been compounded by internal competition between South Australian projects, operations, and industries. Recognising that the resources sector is projected to reach its peak workforce shortage in Q3 2023, South Australia needs to build labour market resilience, better align training and education to career pathways, amplify opportunities to transition across sectors, and continue to create and fill jobs for years to come. Economic growth in South Australia cannot occur without an appropriately skilled workforce. Strategic long-term workforce planning is essential if we are to build labour market resilience across the South Australian economy. Mapping of existing and future workforce requirements across all industry sectors will help government and industry better understand statewide workforce requirements, identify the expected peaks and troughs, and better align training, education, and attraction measures to meet future needs. Planning will also assist in coordinating worker transition across different sectors and through industry cycles, by ensuring workers are equipped with transferable skills and the training necessary to support a transition. SACOME calls on the State Government to provide $2 million in funding to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Skills (DIIS) to develop a South Australian Future Workforce Framework. This funding would enable DIIS the resources required to undertake extensive engagement across sectors and the development of the framework as a matter of urgency. |