8 November 2024 – FUTURE JOBS FUTURE WORKFORCE
Jobs Queensland who provides strategic advice to the Queensland Government on future workforce and planning, last week led a conversation and listening tour about future jobs and the future workforce.
The data revealed for the statistical division SA4 which extends from Gatton in the east to Glen Rock State Forest in the south and includes the city of Toowoomba and other regional centres including Helidon, Withcott, Kingsthorpe and Gratham:
- the expectation that 3939 or 4.7% new jobs created will be created by 2028;
- the five top growth industries are public administration and safety, arts and recreation services, health care and social assistance, electricity, gas, water and waste services, and education and training;
- health care and social assistance is the top female employer;
- construction is the biggest male employer;
- future skill needs will be required in the areas of health care and social assistance, agriculture, and education and training.
The research indicated that locally, building workforce capability, creating better pathways for work readiness, promoting workforce diversity, and supporting region and industry transition are considered core local themes that need attention.
Understanding Jobs Queensland
These insights are valuable in understanding, Toowoomba.
Do these future skills and areas of employment growth reflect your business? Are there others?
I had the opportunity to join the conversation and share some views of our members into the mixing pot. Views that included:
- education is not “fit for purpose” and competency-based training needs priority;
- pathways are developed with a southeast Queensland focus, not through a regional, rural or remote lens; and
- the significant future role of the generalist in the future and the need to bolster creative and analytical skills to build local capacity, to name a few.
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts by emailing admin@toowoombachamber.com.au and we pass onto Jobs Queensland to support their current and future research.
