WELCOME PROGRESS ON CAREERS ADVICE FOR JOB SEEKERS
18 March 2021
The region’s peak business advocacy organisation, Business Illawarra, has today welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of the establishment of Careers NSW, a tailored careers advice service for every worker and student in NSW.
“Business Illawarra has long advocated that the NSW Government establish a careers advice service that is fit for purpose, accessible and provides advice targeted to an individual’s needs,” said Executive Director of Business Illawarra, Mr Adam Zarth.
“We made strong submissions to the review of the NSW vocational education and training sector that careers advice is currently not up to scratch, and not delivering for either job seekers or their prospective employers.”
“Our submission highlighted the need for qualified and experienced careers advisors from key industries where there is demonstrated workforce demand, and the need for them to be connected to people seeking work across the community – particularly young people.”
“The establishment of Careers NSW is a very welcome initiative, particularly in the current economic climate which is seeing pronounced workforce shortages in key sectors as we emerge from COVID-19 economic turbulence.”
“We understand that job seekers will be guided by experienced workers within a range of industries, including emerging sectors in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and construction and that Service NSW will be delivering an online pilot, with a full rollout expected in mid-2022 - good news given that agency’s track record in delivering accessible services.”
“Our understanding of this area is bolstered by our delivery of the Illawarra YES program, funded by the NSW Government, where we are operating highly-successful pre-employment programs for young people in concert with some of our region’s best employers.”
“Sound advice on suitable career options is so important in ensuring people understand where jobs are and to plan accordingly.”
“The establishment of Careers NSW comes not long after the NSW State Government’s announcement of a new JobSkills Bootcamp to be set up in South Nowra, which will focus on upskilling youth interested in the construction sector.”
“Business Illawarra strongly supports Government initiatives such as these, as they provide the necessary support to job seekers in deciding on suitable career paths which is crucial to boosting employment and productivity in the long term,” said Mr Zarth.