The McGowan Government has delivered on its commitment to host Skills Summits across Western Australia and is progressing practical actions to address the workforce needs of regional industries.
Ten Regional Skills Summits were held in Albany, Bunbury, Broome, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra, Northam, Mandurah and Port Hedland between August and December 2021.
Regional Action Plans have been developed following each of the 10 Regional Skills Summits.
These plans have been informed by the feedback provided by regional industry leaders and will be implemented by Regional Coordinating Committees (RCCs) to deliver practical actions that respond to a region's unique workforce needs.
RCCs are currently comprised of the relevant regional TAFE college, Regional Development Commission and Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and supported by the Department of Training and Workforce Development. They will be expanded to include other key stakeholders to support the delivery of priority actions.
As WA's strong economy drives demand for workers across the State, the McGowan Government continues to consult and work with regional industries to ensure there are enough local workers to meet the State's high demand for skilled workers in the regions.
Prior to the Regional Skills Summits, the McGowan Government invested heavily in training, including the 'Lower fees, local skills' initiative, which has seen fees reduced by up to 72 per cent across 210 courses in priority industry areas.
Workforce-boosting initiatives from the WA Skills Summit have also been implemented.
These include the expansion of low-fee training for priority industries, practical support to encourage people from underrepresented groups into training and jobs, programs to address specific barriers to training and employment for Aboriginal youth, piloting a program to encourage Aboriginal people and women into the in-demand resources sector, expanding skilled migration, and targeted advertising campaigns to attract new workers to live and work in WA
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The McGowan Government's support for training initiatives is key to continue building a skilled workforce and retain people in regional areas.
"Through the Regional Skills Summits, we heard ideas directly from industries across Western Australia to increase the capability of local workforces and fill local jobs.
"These Regional Action Plans respond to the workforce issues raised by industry leaders and will progress ideas from the summits.
"Through practical actions, we can help all Western Australians to overcome barriers in education, training and employment, getting more people into jobs in regional areas and ensuring the unique workforce needs each region are met."
