It’s our future
Identifying ways to alleviate skills shortages in Tasmania has been a major focus for the department through the Office of Post Compulsory Education and Training (OPCET). Over the last 12 months OPCET, in collaboration with industry, local enterprises, TAFE Tasmania and other state government departments, has worked to identify current and future skills needs. By ensuring that the education and training sector is aware of these requirements, Tasmania will be able to meet workplace demands.
With a pulp mill development expected to commence in the north of the state in 2007, and other significant development projects to begin shortly after, a skills audit was undertaken. The findings of this audit will ensure the best skill outcomes, maximise employment opportunities for Tasmanians, and identify flow-on effects for local businesses.
The government’s Skills for Growth initiative is developing innovative approaches to training, cross-skilling and skills recognition that have been identified as crucial elements in building Tasmania’s workforce in the essential trades and growth industries. Key components of Skills for Growth include Trades Express, Supporting Enterprise Development and Skills Direct.
Trades Express is an accelerated recognition and training program for trade areas which are in demand in the Tasmanian economy. Overseen by OPCET, the program provides innovative ways for mature aged and young people to gain trade qualifications and improve their career prospects. Trades Express provides opportunities for participants to train as adult apprentices through an accelerated program, obtain recognition for their current skills, undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification, refresh their skills, or cross-skill into another trade through additional training. Over 50,000 hours of additional pre-employment training was funded for more than 200 participants.
OPCET and TAFE collaborated to maximise work placement opportunities for Trades Express participants. Career pathway planning, job search skills and employment focused counselling services were also provided. Appropriate work placements have resulted in improved employment outcomes for those who complete programs.
Other Skills for Growth initiatives have been implemented to support skills development. Supporting Enterprise Development provides flexible and relevant training to TAFE’s enterprise clients. This program provides training for existing employees in targeted industries. The Skills Direct program provides short training programs to meet specific industry skill requirements. Skills Direct targets industries of strategic importance, existing workers in industries with identified skills shortages, small business owners and equity groups.
Skills for Growth is stimulating demand for training, lifting the state’s skills profile and delivering training that will maximise outcomes for enterprises and individuals.
In the coming years OPCET will continue to implement strategies and industry initiatives to increase Tasmania’s skills base. Significant efforts will be made to alleviate skills shortages, particularly in traditional trades and the seasonal workforce. The training needs of emerging industries will also be targeted. These steps are crucial to support the state’s economic and industry development.
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