Abstract
In 2019, following previous skills surveys and an audit into Horticulture Skills Gaps, RDA Riverina was partially funded by the Charles Sturt AgriPark Seed Fund to conduct a Riverina Skills Study in collaboration with Charles Sturt University. The skills shortage across the Riverina has been exacerbated by COVID -19. The regional renaissance is an incredible opportunity for the Riverina, however current employment vacancies have reached a ten year high and unemployment in the region is trending down.
In the study it was identified that 78% of respondents reported having difficulty in filling vacancies and almost 50% of all vaccines in the past 12 months being unable to be filled. This is the immediate challenge. However, 74% of respondents felt that it was highly or somewhat likely that the skills needs would change in the next five years, leading to a requirement for reskilling the workforce and the need for a shift in employment pathways and education.
In the study it was identified that 78% of respondents reported having difficulty in filling vacancies and almost 50% of all vaccines in the past 12 months being unable to be filled. This is the immediate challenge. However, 74% of respondents felt that it was highly or somewhat likely that the skills needs would change in the next five years, leading to a requirement for reskilling the workforce and the need for a shift in employment pathways and education.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Wagga Wagga, NSW |
| Publisher | Regional Development Australia |
| Commissioning body | Regional Development Australia |
| Number of pages | 121 |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Jun 2021 |