The Tasmanian Workforce Development Plan, released by Engineers Australia’s Tasmania Division at the end of April, aims to bring more Tasmanians into the engineering profession, and has now received nearly $30,000 in government funding.
The State Government is providing $28,600 in funding to develop the plan, which, according to a statement from the government, will help create growth and job opportunities for individuals looking for work in this sector.
The Government is also providing $53,365 to establish a government-backed Workforce Development Advisory Group to steer priorities identified by the profession and industry.
The advisory group includes representatives and stakeholders from different facets of the industry, including construction, professional services, manufacturing and education sectors.
This group will develop a new Tasmanian Engineering Industry Skills Framework that will support Tasmanian engineers so they can participate more effectively in global supply chains and work virtually in global teams.
The skills framework is a direct response to industry feedback and will also focus on inclusiveness by expanding the appeal of the sector to young Tasmanians and women.
The framework is aimed at ensuring engineering as a profession remains attractive and achievable to those looking for the right opportunity.
The Engineering Workforce Development Advisory Group Members include:
Tim Gardner (Chair) – Stornoway; Kate Blizzard – TasWater; Andrew McConahy – Jacobs; Greg Young – Elphinstone Group; Kitty te Riele – Peter Underwood Centre for Educational Attainment, University of Tasmania; Lori Hocking – TasTAFE; Stuart Hollingsworth – Skills Tasmania, Department of State Growth; Jenny Burgress – Department of Education; and Ben Jones – Eaglecrest Technologies.