Skilling the Bay implementation

The G21 region is in economic transition and facing a range of skills, training and employment challenges which have been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and multiple lockdowns. Significant work is underway to address the skills crisis and close the gap between the current and future fit workforce.

The Gordon TAFE, in partnership with Deakin University, has developed a place-based Regional Skills Strategy and Advocacy Plan, Skilling the Barwon.

This strategy will underpin G21’s recovery in a COVID-adjusted economy, addressing industry skill priorities in expanding sectors including advanced manufacturing, innovative agribusiness, health, disability and social services, education, visitor economy, and building and construction.

It will align with, and facilitate, significant State and Commonwealth skill reform initiatives, leveraging the experience, networks and governance framework of Skilling the Bay to coordinate and oversee implementation.

Co-designed with industry, the education sector and the community, Skilling the Barwon and the regional skills ecosystem will drive data-led development and deployment of high priority initiatives to:

• establish the workforce needed for a post-COVID economy.
• focus on STEM education, entrepreneurship and leadership development to accelerate skill uptake for innovation and new industries.
• address the skills crisis and long-term recruitment and retention challenges.
• arrest unemployment and under-employment.
• reverse the decline in apprenticeships and trainee support.
• build better pathways for career starters, career changers and career progression.
• ensure inclusion, equity, and access for our more vulnerable communities.

What G21 needs

• $3.5 million to implement Skilling the Barwon.
• Utilise the Barwon region as a pilot for state and national education and skills reform initiatives to test concepts, overcome barriers and maximise community and industry input.

A commitment to embed GROW training, employment and procurement principles in all government projects within the region.