Strategy aims to up skill locals
As development steps up across the Downs, forward thinking business and industry leaders are taking measures to ensure a ready supply of skilled local workers are there to meet demand.
The Skills Formation Strategy (SFS) is a community-based project that is taking a future glance at skills needs and developing a business plan that will help deliver those skills to the region.
The scheme was initiated by the Western Downs Regional Organisation of Councils (WDROC) and Queensland’s Department of Education and Training (DET) to assist local business and industry in identifying and dealing with factors that impact upon skilling.
The project takes a unique ‘whole community’ approach and has the support of the Dalby Chamber of Commerce which facilitates the project with an understanding of its role in linking business and community.
SFS project officer for the Dalby Wambo region Beth Wood believes community and business support is vital to the project’s success.
“Skilling is about the community understanding what influences people’s choices on employment and training, and how we can better control those decisions.”
Training centres within the region, the Australian Agricultural College Corporation (Dalby campus) and the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, have successfully increased engineering training to assist the local manufacturing industry.
Negotiations have begun on ways to increase electrical, electronic and mechanical skills with the backing of local industry groups.
Beth says while the scheme works to develop local training options, it also takes the broader view of exploring ways to attract and retain skilled workers and their families by addressing lifestyle issues.
“Industry groups have come up with some innovative ideas to retain staff such as offering a one-year overseas exchange program where they return to Dalby at the end of a year away.
“The Dalby Women’s Networking Group is a social get-together for women that aims to make Dalby more attractive to those relocating to the area.”
The SFS also works to educate local students to the career opportunities available within the region through initiatives such as Dalby Careers Week.
Beth says the long-term success of the project relies on the continued cooperation of business, industry and community.
“It’s about community and industry collaborating to achieve greater work opportunities.”
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