While the South Australian Government has made significant commitments to building South Australia’s talent across all levels of education, it is clear that timely, targeted approaches are needed for those parts of the state that are critical to our future prosperity.
The Upper Spencer Gulf region has contributed significantly to our economy for more than a century through its natural resources and industrial strengths – particularly as our only domestic producer of long steel products at the Whyalla Steelworks. It is also beginning to make a name for itself as a sustainable industries powerhouse, both through renewable energy production and delivering the critical minerals to power the green transition.
Meanwhile, with global markets continuing to demand the region’s resources and capabilities as the world races to net zero, the Upper Spencer Gulf urgently needs a skilled and adaptable workforce across all sectors.
Economic and project modelling undertaken by the Department of State Development shows that a peak of 4,000 new jobs will be created to support construction of major projects, stabilising at around 1,500 in 2030.
But the region also faces high levels of socio-economic disadvantage, historically high unemployment, intergenerational unemployment, and a high proportion of jobless families.
It also has a higher proportion of workers over 55 years of age, lower workforce participation, lack of qualifications, and greater disengagement from education or work of key groups such as Aboriginal people and youth.
The Upper Spencer Gulf Workforce Strategy aims to bridge this gap and build a workforce that meets the long-term needs of the region’s economy, industries and communities so it can reap the benefits of the many opportunities ahead.
One of the Strategy’s three key workforce outcomes is to improve workforce participation of disengaged and disadvantaged people. When members of a community are locked in a cycle of intergenerational unemployment, with low literacy, numeracy and digital skills, one of the best ways to break this cycle and get on a path to employment is through Adult Community Education (ACE).
The South Australian Government has partnered with the Australian Government in a $14 million joint investment to deliver up to 12,000 fee-free training places in ACE projects and give more South Australians the foundation skills they need for secure well-paid jobs.
ACE offers a community-based learning environment, breaking down barriers to learning and giving participants the skills to open doors to full participation in society. It is also good for industry and the economy, boosting productivity and wages, which in turn increases gross domestic product (GDP).
This type of learning can be transformational in a person’s life, but it also offers a largely untapped resource to help fill specific skills gaps in regional areas and connect participants with further training or employment.
The Heavy Industry Multi Skills Program is an example of an ACE project that provides tailored solutions to address barriers to employment for local job seekers.
Delivered in Port Pirie by Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North and partnering with employers from mining, manufacturing, construction and engineering industries, the program offers a simulated industry environment, accredited and non-accredited training, and mentoring support to facilitate workforce transition.
The 12-week program includes training across a range of heavy industry sectors along with personal development and job readiness workshops, preparing the participants for entry-level positions as labourers, operators, apprentices, trainees and trade assistants. The community-based setting makes students feel safe and supported, and confidence-building activities help them take the next steps to build more formal skills.
The program has supported more than 100 students, with more than 90 per cent of them completing their training and 83 per cent going on to gain employment – a fantastic outcome both for the community and for local industry.
Callan Markwick is the Executive Director, Workforce, Population and Migration in the Department of State Development
