University reaches out to local businesses to fight skills shortage ‘tsunami’

A breakfast seminar at Southern Cross University’s Tweed Gold Coast campus this Wednesday September 17 will offer some valuable information to help businesses tackle the growing issue of skills shortages.

The free seminar, which is being held by the University in association with Study Gold Coast, will include a presentation on current workforce trends by Mr Ivan Neville, Assistant Secretary for the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Lecturer for Southern Cross University’s School of Commerce and Management, Ros Cameron said it was essential for businesses to be aware of the demographic trends that were impacting the workforce.

“Current trends indicate that we are potentially facing a tsunami of skills shortages,” said Ms Cameron.

“Factors like the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age and the resources boom are having a major effect on the jobs market, but the issues are always evolving.

“By being informed on the changing nature of future labour supply, businesses can potentially avoid costly recruitment and retention problems.

“The seminar aims to provide the local business community with access to up-to-date statistics so that they are armed with the information that they need.”

Information on training, internships and work experience options from Southern Cross University and education provider network Study Gold Coast may offer food for thought for enterprises looking for new and innovative ways of approaching future recruitment, while Mr Ivan Neville will look at how the government is approaching current and future challenges.

Ms Cameron said she was pleased to welcome Mr Ivan Neville to the breakfast.

“Mr Neville is involved with employee surveys and the detailed analysis of labour supply and skills demand,” she said.

“He will be able to provide a detailed insight into the government strategies already in practice and those planned for the future.

“We want to encourage employers and industry and community representatives to come together to get informed on the skill needs of local industry and labour markets in our rapidly expanding region.”

The skills shortage seminar will take place from 7.30am to 8.30am on Wednesday September 17 in the Harvard Room, Level 2, Southern Cross University, Tweed Gold Coast campus, Brett Street, Tweed Heads. A light breakfast will be provided. For further information or to book, contact Ros Cameron on (07) 5506 9358 or Lisa Francisco on (07) 5506. 9375

Photo: Ros Cameron