Group Training: New Ways to Meet Skill and Labour Shortages, June 2005

This report Group Training: New Ways to Meet Skill and Labour Shortages represents an example of the benefits of both the ongoing partnership between the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Group Training Australia (GTA) and the determination of the Commonwealth Government to consult with industry to address skill and labour shortages in the Australian workforce.

The National Skills Shortages Strategy (NSSS) initiated by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon. Brendan Nelson MP, now driven by the Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP and coordinated through the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) features an extensive and effective engagement with industry. A number of industry-based and -managed projects, aimed at identifying specific industry challenges regarding labour and skill shortages and developing industry solutions, are an integral feature of the NSSS.

The ageing of Australia’s population and the reduction in the number of young people who will come into the labour market in the coming years is well documented. This report concentrates on alternative sources of labour that could assist in meeting shortages that arise in the Australian workforce as the proportion of new young workers falls.

Older workers, and those returning to work after an injury, particularly those on Disability Support Pensions, have potential with appropriate training and other support, to help meet the challenges that are appearing in the Australian labour market. This report examines the issues around the employment of these Australians, identifies the issues and impediments and proposes solutions that can be pursued through the utilisation of Group Training.

To download the report click here.