Message from the General Manager
Welcome to our last MSQ Skills Update for 2009.
This year has been a tumultuous one for many reasons, primarily through the onset of the GFC, which affected industry to varying degrees. The GFC was a stark contrast to previous years where mining and construction booms attracted many employees away from the manufacturing and engineering sectors, creating a skills shortage.
Along with the economy, the employment market tightened and the skills focus shifted from a skills shortage to a demand shortage, with many companies scaling back hours in order to ensure the doors remained opened. During this time, we encouraged employers and employees to work together to focus on skills development to better position the company when the economy bounces back.
An Ai Group report supports this view with the majority of respondents (83%) indicating that the most effective method for meeting current skills needs was by retraining existing staff. You can read the full AiG report in our latest Skills Report (see article this edition). While MSQ is receiving advice that employers in the sector are looking at strategies to retain their current apprentices and skilled workers, the economic downturn has meant that a number of employers have not commenced new apprentices which has resulted in a reduction in apprenticeship commencement numbers of approximately 35% since February. Industry will certainly face future skills shortages if apprentices are not taken on by employers.
We would like to wish Alana Thornber, our Manager Gateway Schools all the best as she became a first time mother on 7 December to Eloise Jane. Leanne Hixon commenced in the role managing the Gateway Schools program on 7 December while Alana is on maternity leave.
Lastly, I would like to thank you all for subscribing to the MSQ Skills Update, I hope it has proven to be valuable reading. May you and your family have a happy and safe festive season and I hope to see you in 2010.
Erik Salonen
General Manager
Manufacturing Skills Queensland