Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Bronwyn Pike today announced a $150,000 project to address skills and workforce development issues in Victoria’s north-east.
Visiting Wangaratta to open a new $8 million Technical Education Centre at the Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Ms Pike said the project would help drive economic growth across the region.
“The Brumby Labor Government is tackling workforce development issues in north-east Victoria to ensure the region continues to prosper after the global economic downturn,” Ms Pike said.
“To counteract issues such as skill shortages and problems retaining skilled labour, the Brumby Labor Government funded the North East Industry Workforce Development Strategy (NEIWDS) to address labour supply and workforce development needs across the region.
“By addressing the issues, the Brumby Labor Government is ensuring people in regional Victoria can identify employment opportunities and that local industry has enough skilled staff to sustain economic growth.”
The NEIWDS was made up of representatives from leading local employers, industry associations, local governments and government agencies and focused on Wangaratta and Wodonga and the major regional industries of manufacturing, construction and aged care.
Ms Pike said the NEIWDS would support economic growth and counter common challenges to industry.
“This strategy will address skill shortages and increase the number of young people entering the local skilled labour,” she said.
“In addition, it will raise awareness of workforce development programs and resources, and improve links between education, training and industry.”
A steering group will establish local workforce groups to develop employment initiatives across the industry sectors.
Ms Pike said the strategy would promote local career opportunities and help increase the supply of labour to local industry.
“We provided this funding because we want to support strategies that work with people who face barriers to employment, encourage more flexible work practices and give industry a greater say in training, support and workforce planning,” she said.