Manufacturing and Engineering (Gladstone Region)
Skills Formation Strategy
Collaboratively developing a workforce to enable continued regional economic growth
Introduction
The Manufacturing and Engineering (Gladstone Region) Skills Formation Strategy is a partnership between the Gladstone Engineering Alliance Inc. and the Department of Education and Training. The SFS aims to develop the capability of the workforce in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector of the Gladstone region.
In a dynamic global economic environment where employment patterns and social demographics are unpredictable, it is increasingly important for stakeholders to recognise the benefit of working collaboratively to develop and maintain a highly skilled workforce.
The Manufacturing and Engineering (Gladstone Region) SFS encourages industry and business (large and small), education providers and training organisations, economic development organisations, industry associations, and all levels of government to work together to collaboratively analyse their workforce issues and engagement methods to identify and implement strategies for the continued economic growth of the region. The project provides a process for stakeholders to address issues collaboratively as they arise, and on an ongoing basis.
Scope
The project concentrates specifically on collaboratively developing a Plan for the Manufacturing and Engineering sector in the Gladstone region. This will be achieved through:
- Research:
1. sector wide consultation to gain an understanding of skills and - development needs of employers and employees
2. analysis of local, national and international trends within the - sector
3. review of nature of work, structure of jobs, job design, and - work organisation
4. assessment of the nature of the labour market, including - sources of labour
5. identification of associated skill and training requirements
- Establishing an Industry Leaders Group
- Collaboratively identifying critical workforce issues
- Development and implementation of an action plan
- Facilitating ongoing business and industry ownership of the process.
Expected Benefits
The Manufacturing and Engineering (Gladstone Region) SFS is more than just a focus on training, it also focuses on developing collaborative networks which identify solutions to workforce planning and development issues. It will benefit business and industry through:
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improved collaboration between stakeholders in planning for the future
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identification and implementation of new strategies to address workforce development issues
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improve the long term sustainability of the regions economy.
Sound workforce development practices are vital to long term success and ongoing growth of the region, which is considered to be the priority area in terms of skills needs and potential jobs growth.
Timeline
The Manufacturing and Engineering (Gladstone Region) SFS commenced 16th February 2009 and is due to be completed, and transitioned to industry, in February 2011.
This project is an initiative of the Department of Education and Training in partnership with Gladstone Engineering Alliance Inc.
Skills Formation Strategies are a key action of the Queensland Skills Plan.