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THE Whyalla Chamber of Commerce and Industry has come out on the front foot to help address the issue of skills shortages in the region.
The Chamber has taken a pro-active approach to help alleviate the situation in Whyalla that has arisen over a period of time from recent downturns in industry, population shift away from the region and a lack of new apprenticeships across a number of industry occupations.
This approach has included extensive meetings with State Government ministers and representatives establishing a working relationship with local and Eyre Peninsula education bodies.
The Chamber has recently attended presentations by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway and the Minister for Industry and Skills David Pisoni. Chamber President Ron Hay said it is important to be part of these presentations and showed the State Government that the Chamber and Whyalla, understood the immediate issues and the need to develop a strategy to move forward..
"We’ve spoken with Minister Pisoni about the skills shortage in our area to facilitate major projects in our region and the lack of apprenticeship opportunities, due to industry downturns and lack of diversification of industry," Ron said.
"Minister Pisoni indicated that the State Government recognises the need to build up the regions and we want to work with the Government and other agencies to identify our needs and build up our skill base and capabilities to support not only Whyalla, but the Upper Spencer Gulf Region and surrounding areas.
"In recent times, downturns in industry and other influences, has seen us lose certain sectors of our skill base to other cities which are hard to get back. By working together with the government in this area we hope to build back up that skill base with people working and living here in Whyalla and not have to rely on FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) workers, which does not strengthen our economy."
The Whyalla Chamber was recently invited to present to the Regional VET and SACE Coordinators from the Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Education system and spoke about the projects that are proposed for Whyalla and the region, so that when pathways are created for students, then these people are better equipped with information and business contacts
"We (the Chamber) felt it was important to have closer relationships between the education system and the business sector," Ron said.
"We understand not everyone wants to be a nuclear physicist or a rocket scientist; there are plenty of young people that would like to consider trades, engineering or work in hospitality or retail for example, so as a business organisation, with a members across manufacturing, services, retail, health and hospitality, we can pass on our experiences and knowledge.
"There is an expectation that individuals looking to enter the workforce, should have a good level of interpersonal skills, numeracy and literacy. The specific duties for the role, product knowledge and other industry based skills are taught by the employer."
Ron said the Whyalla Chambers motto of "Your Chamber, Your Business … Whyalla’s Success" was very much the motivation.
"We are currently looking at a number of new projects already commenced, completed or proposed for Whyalla and If we can assist in bringing the skills to the people of Whyalla, through new opportunities, it will have an positive impact on the community," Ron said.
For more on the chamber go to its website at www.wcci.org.au