A new entity established by the Australian government to tackle the national skills shortage in the built environment sector was formally launched this week by Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor.
BuildSkills Australia is preparing the country’s first workforce plan for the sector and will become a strong and strategic voice of the construction, property and water industries.
The newly established Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) was established by the federal government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to address Australia’s skills and training needs.
BuildSkills Australia Board Co-Chair Paula Masters said the entity would provide leadership, innovation and a level of research and insight not previously available to the industry.
“Our priority now is to develop the first-ever national workforce plan for the construction, property and water industries and this work is already well underway.
“The comprehensive plan will support federal government policy-making and support skills and training needs across the sector.
“BuildSkills’ workforce plan will place a priority on ensuring the skills and training of today meet the needs of the future,” said Masters.
Construction Industry Culture Taskforce Chair and BuildSkills Co-Chair Gabrielle Trainor AO — an ambassador for female participation in construction and infrastructure — said Australia was looking for a new way forward with a strong, diverse workforce.
“The built environment sector is changing rapidly, and I foresee amazing opportunities particularly for women to step up and fill roles they may never have considered before.
“Creating new pathways and increasing diversity in the workforce is essential for a more productive industry to support strong growth in the country’s economy,” said Trainor.
BuildSkills is currently being led by CEO Brett Schimming who has spent nearly 15 years as the Chief Executive Officer of Construction Skills Queensland.
BuildSkills Australia is seeking feedback on the workforce strategy from government agencies, employer associations, unions, and training, as well as education organisations through a series of roundtable events in all states and territories in February and March.
For more information, visit www.buildskills.com.au
