On Wednesday January 22nd Gunnedah Chamber President CJ Baldry Adams attended the Business NSW - New England North West State Skills Roundtable - reserved for Regional Leaders only. Below is a summary along with the full report for your reference.
The State of Skills 2024 Report by Business NSW highlights the workforce challenges and strategies across New South Wales.

Key points include:
Overview:
Focus: Examines employer-reported skills shortages, recruitment challenges, and solutions to sustain business growth.
Scope: Covers diverse industries, with acute challenges in regional areas and critical sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Key Findings:
Skills Shortages:
77% of employers face significant recruitment difficulties, particularly in regional areas.
Acute shortages in technical, healthcare, and hospitality roles.
38% anticipate negative impacts on business, with 4% at risk of closure.
Workforce Impacts:
Increased workloads for existing staff (75% of affected businesses).
Delays in innovation, expansion, and maintaining quality standards.
Smaller businesses face unique pressures, including multi-functional roles for employees.
Recruitment Challenges:
High competition for talent, with many candidates hired by competitors.
Barriers include high wage expectations, lack of interest in roles, and location-based constraints.
Strategies and Responses:
80% of employers improved pay or conditions; 56% invested in training.
Increased use of older workers and apprenticeships to bridge gaps.
Automation and workplace culture enhancements are emerging trends.
Recommendations:
Vocational Education and Training (VET):
Increased investment in TAFE and aligned programs for regional delivery.
Centralised, industry-informed data for skill demand predictions.
Skilled Migration:
Streamline visa processes and expand regional visa allocations.
Leverage free trade agreements for skill exchanges.
Regional Support:
Address housing affordability and local training access.
Establish a Regional Skills Fund to foster innovation and collaboration.
Policy Enhancements:
Double the Work Bonus for age pensioners to boost workforce participation.
Improve childcare access to enable parents' workforce re-entry.
Workplace Culture and Training:
Support flexible work arrangements and invest in leadership development.
Expand mentorship programs using older, experienced workers.
Future Outlook:
The report calls for coordinated efforts between government, industry, and education providers to address the evolving labour market. Upcoming initiatives include refining skilled migration pathways, enhancing regional VET offerings, and fostering employer-driven innovations.
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