3.12: Skills Shortage
Addressing the skills shortage Other Information:
The ACT Skills Commission was established in November 2006 to provide high-level strategic advice to the ACT Government on
skills issues and the strategies required to meet the Territory’s needs now and into the future. The commission released is
final report in April 2008. In cooperation with business, industry and the education sector, the ACT Government is responding
strategically to the skills challenge and has formulated a comprehensive package of initiatives based upon the commission’s
principal recommendations. The recommendations provide an immediate response to some pressing challenges and set a path toward
long-term change. The ACT Skills Future strategy includes: • addressing the need for people and the workforce in light of
the demographic challenge • increasing the productivity of those already in the workforce • lifting the participation of people
currently out of the workforce • ensuring that the education and training needs of today’s and tomorrow’s workforces are met.
Through ACT Skills Future the ACT Government will create an attractive and accessible location for skilled workers, endeavouring
to attract those most likely to contribute as well as stay in the ACT. The ACT Government will also ensure an understanding
of future workforce needs. People will be supported through their working lives to increase their productivity, and those
who have traditionally been outside the workforce will be encouraged to participate. The strategy recognises that the ACT
Government and tertiary education sector must ensure that the ACT’s education and training system is responsive to the needs
of participants, industry and the economy and that education and training provide the best possible match of available skills
to demand. The ACT will establish a new skills outreach service to liaise with government agencies, businesses, training providers,
group training organisations, unions and the community sector. The service will identify and use available resources and funding
to achieve the best possible skills development.
Indicator(s):
|
