Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) chief David Wheaton has said the local labour market is as tight as he’s seen in a generation.
His comment comes as his organisation launches its new Regional Workforce Connector and Collaboration Program to better advertise local businesses to jobseekers around the country.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s new Skills Shortage Quarterly report released last week South Australia has a job fill rate of 67%.
RDALC deputy chief executive officer Rachael Ashman (pictured) said the workforce shortages in the Limestone Coast remained an economic challenge for the region.
“Our situation is similar to the national figures, with occupations that continue to struggle to be filled include Construction Trades Workers, Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers, and Health Care,” she said.
“There are lots of reasons that have caused the current labour market issues including closed international borders during COVID-19 resulting in migration ceasing, the departure of many people from Australia during that time, and the economic stimulus that occurred over the last couple of years.”
The South Australian Government have funded RDALC to deliver a Regional Workforce Connector and Collaboration Program in the Limestone Coast region over the next 12 months.
Ms Ashman said the funding will enable RDALC to dedicate more resources to assisting the region’s businesses as they face continued pressure to fill workforce gaps.
“Through our regional job board, RDALC will promote our region’s vacancies as well as deliver targeted workforce activities, including workforce planning, social media campaigns on key industries, and promotion of critical job vacancies,” she said.
“I believe there is a critical need for programs like this and we are proud to be partnering with the State Government on this initiative.
“RDALC are planning another StudyAdelaide tour to the region where we will connect businesses with current vacancies to graduates that would like to move to the region.
“We will continue to support our region’s employers to become ‘employers of choice’ as standing out as a great employer will help attract and retain employees.”
