Recent advertisements for more than 100 jobs across the region indicate that the Orana is bouncing back from shortages imposed by the COVID-19 lockdown. In one day, there were 53 new ads ranging from low skilled workers to management positions and there is a wide cross-section of employment available with one business alone reporting 36 vacancies.
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In a time that has been uncertain and difficult for both employers aiming to keep positions open and employees trying to stay employed, this comes as good news for the region's unemployed and the broader economy. However, there are concerns that in a short labour market, potential employees are spoilt for choice meaning that businesses will lose both staff and access to JobKeeper in one fell swoop.
The labour shortage exists across a range of industries and critical skills are needed in health and hospitality, mining and energy, professional and community services.
- PART 1: The hardest hit: An overview of job losses in the region
- PART 2: Recovery for those hit the hardest by coronavirus restrictions
- PART 3: Regional Impacts and what you have told RDA Orana
- PART 4: Gaps analysis around COVID-19 response
- PART 5: Agricultural consistency shows the region's tangibility and resilience
- PART 6: Mining sector buffers impact of COVID-19
- PART 7: Construction sector booming across western region
- PART 8: Innovation, ingenuity are leading the way
A lot of jobs have specific training requirements, which automatically rules out unskilled workers in those professions. There are other opportunities for which training can be provided on the job and workers who are keen to be employed could start immediately to fill those workforce gaps. However, in many cases, transferable employees aren't interested in working in regional Australia. Some employers believe that JobSeeker payments are discouraging work in the low skilled areas. The government support is proving to be a double-edged sword in that it is providing assistance to those who genuinely want to keep their jobs or look for more work. But it is also keeping those who aren't keen to work counted in those unemployment statistics.
Some roles are vital, with demand for essential workers such as cooks, nurses and labourers crucial to ensuring that the workforce continues to be productive and viable. Health and hospitality have a huge need to boost their workforce and keep up with demand while mining and energy are seeking skilled and unskilled employees to ensure their ongoing stability and productivity. Some government-based positions are needed in order to keep operations running or to get much-needed projects off the ground.
We are getting enquiries from businesses about using migration services to fulfill their needs and we welcome the desire to keep their companies operational and the economy going.
Our role is to connect businesses with opportunities, give them the assistance they need and keep the community informed.
We want to hear from employers struggling to recruit. We want to support them in maintaining their staff numbers and have the opportunity to recruit and fulfil their needs.Contact 6885 1488 to see how we can help.
RDA Orana is a not for profit business that receives federal funding to support regional and economic development initiatives across the Orana region. Our mission is to support sustainable economic growth through the provision of regional intelligence that creates connections and collaborations, supports investment decisions by business and government, and that encourages the development of our workforce. To find out more visit rdaorana.org.au
Regional Recovery with RDA Orana is a series of columns produced by RDA Orana looking at the impacts of COVID-19 and the road to recovery for our community.
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