The Queensland Government funded Regional Skills Investment Strategy Project celebrated one year of operations during July, and so is a good time to reflect on the achievements during this time.
As one of 18 regional locations, the Scenic Rim was funded to engage a Regional Skills Investment Strategy (RSIS) officer – Mitch Ryan – whose primary role is to engage and support industry sectors in skills development and employment outcomes. Mitch works collaboratively with local industry and community stakeholders to develop specialised solutions which aim to address local workforce issues related to skilling and training. In particular, there are three focus industries within the region, which are:
- agriculture and agri-business
- health and allied services, and
- tourism and hospitality.
As part of his role, Mitch has also established – and manages the ongoing delivery of – an industry lead reference group. This RSIS Reference Group assists Mitch to develop training programs that support employment opportunities for Scenic Rim residents.
Some of the outcomes achieved in the first 12 months are:
- Established the RSIS Reference Group with four meetings held during 2019-20.
- Made 338 contacts or discussions with industry and employers associated with the three identified focus industries.
- Created 139 employment outcomes, which consists of casual and full-time roles within the three identified focus industries.
- Achieved 176 educational outcomes including applicants engaging in traineeships, apprenticeships, short courses and full qualifications.
- Made more than 600 business contacts and connections.
- Established pilot projects to support target sectors to engage, train and place new workers into entry level roles. These projects have been tailored around entry level positions in health and community services, hospitality and agricultural sectors
- Launched community projects to assist skills development and employment opportunities for Indigenous and non-indigenous participants
- Partnered with Brotherhood of St Lawrence and Yourtown through the National Youth Employment Body initiative
- Launched the Scenic Rim Jobs portal (funded for two-years from the Queensland Government)
- Established and delivered an inaugural Jobs Fest event, which was attended by 188 people (mostly job seekers) and 32 employers, and resulted in 179 job vacancies being raised as a result of the event and 315 job applications made
If you are a local business and looking for support in skills development and employment opportunities, please contact Mitch on 0438 861 960 or mitch.r@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
