Development of the Huon Valley Workforce Planning Study has begun, with consultancy firm KPMG appointed by Huon Valley Council to undertake a comprehensive study on current and future workforce planning for the region.

Taking a broad view of the region’s workforce, the study will involve strong engagement with stakeholders from all major and growing industry sectors in the Huon Valley. Outcomes from consultations with local businesses, recruitment providers, training institutions and government will be combined with detailed demographic data to provide an in-depth analysis of workforce and training supply and demand in the region.

With the aim of linking local workforce planning to future economic development, key aims of the study are to:

• Provide an understanding of workforce planning and development opportunities
• Understand the region’s current and future workforce capability and capacity
• Identify ways to close emerging gaps between current and required workforce

Huon Valley Council Mayor Bec Enders said the Council is confident that the Workforce Planning Study will be a valuable tool for local employers, employees, the education sector, government, and employment agencies.

“The study will take an in-depth look at our local workforce and provide a snapshot of where our workforce needs are now and what will be needed in the future to support workforce growth,” said Cr Enders. “The actions from the study will be an important resource for local industries and businesses, assisting them with forward planning for their business needs and growth opportunities, and providing vital information that will be useful for grant and loan applications and developing business cases.

“We expect that the study will encourage openness and collaboration between our industries, as well as our educational institutions and training providers, which is important for improving job opportunities and strengthening our economy throughout the Valley.

“The study will take an in-depth look at our local workforce and provide a snapshot of where our workforce needs are now and what will be needed in the future to support workforce growth.”

“People who are supported to obtain the right skills and training to help them along a promising career pathway are more likely to be successful in the workplace and stay employed, which is important for experiencing better quality of life.

“We are excited to have KPMG on board to deliver this important document for the Huon Valley.”

KPMG Advisory Group Director David Richardson says the study will be similar to the work undertaken by KPMG for eight other Tasmanian regional councils in 2016.

“KPMG is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Council and a wide range of stakeholders to develop a Workforce Planning Study for the Huon Valley region,” said Mr Richardson.

“Forging relationships between stakeholders as part of the consultation process will help develop a shared understanding of workforce capabilities and challenges [in the region], and opportunities that need to be pursued to bring about any change.”

The draft study is expected to be tabled at an Ordinary Meeting of Council in late May 2020. The aim of this study is to provide a clear action plan that all stakeholders, including Council, industry, local employers, training and support intermediaries, as well as employees, will collectively own and take responsibility for implementing.

Funding for the study development was allocated in Council’s budget for 2019/20.

If you have any questions about the Workforce Planning Study, please contact Council’s Economic Development team on (03) 6264 0300.

Updates will be provided on the Have Your Say webpage.

Download a print-friendly version of this media release here.