Nimble News 5 April 2023

WA Jobs and Employment Survey

The FFTITC Team finished off our submission to the WA government on the workforce and skill issues of our industries. We provided 9 Industry overviews and commented on 79 occupations. There were some very clear cross industry themes:

• Most industries are experiencing labour and skill shortages, with them impacting the ability of businesses to provide quality services and achieve business growth.

• Many employers don’t know how to navigate the training sector and don’t know where to go for information.

• Regional stakeholders talked about the difficulty in accessing training and because of small student numbers, local training providers often can’t offer suitable qualifications.

• Training is becoming critical in many industries to keep abreast of advances in technology and new processes.

• Employers find signing up apprentices and trainees cumbersome and need more support in finding suitable recruits. There needs to be better transitioning from school to workplaces.

Plus many more…..

We are currently going through our notes to identify potential solutions that we can do to help industry and to develop a 12 month activity plan. More to come about this.

We’d like to thank all our stakeholders for their input. We are very lucky to have an enthusiastic network who want to see their industries thrive now and in the future. If you want to talk to the team about any of this, please give us a call on 9361 2800.

FFTITC Team.

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Other Nimble News Stories:

Cabinet Making & Glazing Apprentices: Funding opportunity

The Construction Training Fund’s Apprentice Completion Grant is a one-off payment of $2000 which will be available for apprentices and trainees who complete their qualification in the 2023-2024 financial year. An additional $500 reimbursement will also be available to these students as repayment for the purchase of work-related tools and/or safety equipment. Apprentices in Cabinet Making, and Glass and Glazing are eligible but they must undertake some work at a building site (eg installation). Pilot funding program commences 1 July.

Have your say: Foundation skills Jobs and Skills Australia is inviting comment on their discussion paper about adult literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Due date is 24 April. Have your say: Agricultural emissions reduction survey

DPIRD seeks input from the WA agricultural sector on the relevance, value and adoptability of potential actions to support net zero emissions by 2050. Deadline 14 April.

Have your say: Phase out of live sheep exports by sea

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry wants to hear from impacted and interested stakeholders. Your views will help to inform planning for the phase out of live sheep exports by sea. Deadline 31 May.

National Farmer Wellbeing Report 2023

This sobering read reveals the impact of adverse weather events, financial pressures and isolation on the mental wellbeing of our nation’s farmers. Those in the industry are asked to ‘check in on your mates’, while the wider community can help by buying Aussie Grown.

For Agriculturalists

A recent meeting of over 60 agriculture ministers from around the world saw a shared commitment to building resilient food systems. Read more here.

NCVER Research Messages

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has kindly provided a single-read summary of all their hard work from 2022. Includes the impact of the pandemic, VET delivery and student outcomes.

For employers

A helpful infographic from The Australian HR Institute about what to include in a flexible working policy.

An interesting read from The Conversation

Academics suggest the National Skills Agreement should focus on retaining apprentices, making training more flexible and encouraging more collaboration between VET and universities.

Workpower Inc. acquires Activ WA worksites

Great to see this collaboration between Workpower, Activ WA and the Commonwealth and WA Governments produce an outcome that promotes job security for hundreds of workers with disability.

Animal welfare grants round now open

Grants of up to $50,000 to support not-for-profit activities that help the welfare of companion animals and wildlife. Applications close 1 May.

Feasibility Grants for food and beverage manufacturing businesses

Businesses considering the feasibility of capital investment or expansion projects may be eligible for funding from DPIRD.

Nature Repair Market Bill introduced to federal parliament

Farmers could be paid to protect biodiversity under new trading scheme which hopes to unlock billions in investment funding.

Dogs’ Refuge Home Annual Street Appeal

DRH is a Perth institution that’s been rehoming dogs from all over WA for 85 years. Check out their Facebook page for more info including a link to their donation page and a chance to win a rescue puppy playdate at your office!

We hope that this has been of some assistance.

Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council.