New industry engagement roundtables will be held in regions across the state as a central part of the Palaszczuk Government’s new Skills for Queensland strategy launched this week.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said there has been strong industry support for the Skills for Queensland strategy which includes programs and initiatives that will target critical training needs to address current skills shortages.
“We know we need to ensure we have a skilled workforce, now and into the future,” Ms Fentiman said.
“We know that Government cannot provide all training needs without the help of industry. This includes Jobs Queensland, regional jobs committees, employers, training providers and schools.
“It’s the ongoing collaboration between government, industry and business that will ensure we have the skilled workers we need now and for emerging industries.”
“Better engagement and better supply of training and skills is at the core of the Skills for Queensland strategy.
“I’ll be bringing all that strategic advice together when we hold our regular Ministerial Skills Roundtable meetings, supported by local advice through our regional job committees.”
The Minister also welcomed the guidance of Jobs Queensland, chaired by Professor Peter Coaldrake.
“Jobs Queensland will provide the skills roundtable with strategic advice and research about future skills needs and workforce planning requirements in Queensland to inform key policy discussions and skills investment priorities,” Professor Coaldrake said.
“Industry, business and government need to plan together and Jobs Queensland’s advice and research will assist with the decision making.”
Construction Skills Queensland CEO Brett Schimming endorsed the Skills for Queensland strategy particularly the Ministerial Skills Roundtable initiative.
“It is important that future skilling and training strategies are evidence-based and designed to meet the real and emerging needs of local workforces,” Mr Schimming said.
“The Ministerial Skills Roundtable will ensure that the government’s planning will be directly informed by reporting from current workforce training experts.”
Ms Fentiman said the Ministerial Skills Roundtable will meet at least twice a year to ensure the government can plan ahead and make the necessary investment in training.
“This will ensure the government hears industry input to skills investment priorities first‑hand,” Ms Fentiman said.
