Green Skills

Nicholas Wyman looks at why a shortage of middle-skilled workers (such as electricians, chefs, carpenters, auto mechanics and welders) is resulting in diminished growth prospects for our economy. Why is this so and how can we fix it?

Australia has enjoyed a relatively robust economy and low unemployment rate for several years. Our success, however, has created a problem of a shortage of middle-skilled workers.

Nicholas discusses how we can close the Gap and what we can do to help reduce youth unemployment.

Nicholas explains how the current government programs are faring.

Download Addressing Australia’s Middle Skills Gap article

Monday night, 28th August marked the launch of National Skills Week for 2012.The Minister for Education, Hon Peter Hall opened the evening. His speech focused on the necessity to continue to up skill Australia’s workforce and that age is no barrier when contemplating starting an Apprenticeship or Traineeship. The Hon. Peter Hall also acknowledged the efforts of Sevag Parseghian, winner of the 2012 Victorian Apprentice of the Year Award (automotive) and Trainee of the Year finalist – Stephanie Greene (Dept of Justice).

A range of guests including representatives from State Government, Victoria University, Business Managers, Skills Councils, Principals and Careers Advisors attended the launch at the Sofitel, followed by a feature screening of ‘Le Chef’ at Kino Cinema in Melbourne.

Congratulations to Sevag Parseghianwho has been named Apprentice of the Year at the 2012 Victorian Training Awards. Sevag was acknowledged for his outstanding performance and dedication throughout his apprenticeship. He completed a Cert III in Automotive Mechanic – Light Vehicle at Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE and was hosted by Mercedes-Benz Melbourne. Sevag worked on many.  He was extremely pleased to be the winner of such a prestigious award and thanked WPC Group and Mercedes-Benz Melbourne as his employers. Sevag is now in the running to win the National Apprentice of the Year award which will be named later in 2012. Mercedes Benz is constantly refining the environmental performance of their vehicles, working on alternative power trains, using new and more eco-friendly production processes and promoting the development of alternative fuels. Read more about the Road to Emission Free Mobility here.

Congratulations also to Stephanie Greene who was finalist in this year’s Victorian Trainee of the Year.  Stephanie recently completed her Cert III in Business at Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE (BRIT), was employed by WPC Group with her host employer placement at the Department of Justice – Loddon Mallee Region.  Well done Stephanie.