Skills Shortages in The Hunter and HunterNet’s Action Plan

HunterNet is a Co-Operative of small to medium sized Hunter based Engineering and Manufacturing companies. Its’ aim is to provide business development opportunities for both its members and the Hunter region.

Over the last decade, the Hunter has experienced a major industrial transformation with the development of new technologies and the demand for new skills due to a movement up the value / innovation chain.

During this time, apprentice intakes by larger organisations at Government and Industry levels diminished. SME’s became largely responsible for the training of tradesmen, leading to serious shortages in skilled trades throughout the industry.

The bottom line was that unless companies trained and kept their own employees, there was no guarantee they would have skilled resources needed for future growth and development.

Managing the apprenticeship process can be an administrative challenge for small business. In 1996, the HunterNet Co-Operative established its own Group Training Company for members. The HunterNet Group Training Company (HNGTC) manages all training issues from recruitment and payroll to Educational Development and the completion of indentures.

Unlike other Group Training Companies, HNGTC ensures apprentices and trainees permanent employment during their period of training.

HunterNet joined the Hunter Institute in this venture as the provider for training courses, and this has proved to be a most successful partnership.

Results from the HNGTC have been most gratifying with more than 80% of intakes completing indentures and remaining with their host company. Thus HNGTC assists member companies to achieve the objective of creating their own skilled staff.

A pilot pre-vocational scheme completed at the end of 2003 between H.I.T, HunterNet and HNGTC successfully created 22 new apprenticeship positions.

The program is to be repeated this year. In addition, a proposal is being prepared in conjunction with the Muswellbrook Council, D.E.T and the Hunter Institute to create 15 new Pre-Vocational positions in the local Muswellbrook Mining Industry.

HunterNet will also work with the Australian Industry Group’s newly formed “Regional Skill Shortages Pilot Project” to coordinate a “Collaborative Whole of Strategy” approach to skill shortage issues within the Hunter.

It is also envisioned that this approach will ensure that the major interests groups within the Hunter’s Manufacturing Industry work together and partner with all levels of Government in the development of these strategies.

For further information please call John Coyle, Executive Officer, HunterNet Co-Operative Limited.

Ph: 4908 7380.

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