ED Awards - Innovation
Moreton Bay (Queensland)
| Rapid growth in the Moreton Bay Coast and County region in Queensland has led to the emergence of chronic skill shortages, particularly in the manufacturing sector with companies struggling to find staff. In turn, this is impacting on their ability to grow. A year ago, a study by the Moreton Bay Coast and County Area Consultative Committee revealed that local businesses were having real difficulty recruiting skilled and unskilled labour, yet paradoxically mature age unemployment was widespread. So in June this year the Moreton Bay Coast and County ACC initiated a Wise Workforce Training and Employment Expo to tackle this growing problem. As Australia’s first-ever jobs expo targeted at those over 45, the Expo can claim to be unique. Designed to address local chronic skill shortages and mature age unemployment, the event showcased businesses that were benefiting from age-balanced workforces. ‘Mature friendly’ job vacancies were displayed, along with 20 trade stands and a series of diverse but practical work-oriented workshops. Bringing together job placement organizations, training providers, community groups, government, business and job network providers, the expo was an outstanding success, attracting more than 700 local job seekers. So successful was the Expo, that there are now calls for the event to be staged annually. |
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