In December, the South West Regional Council (SWRC) reaffirmed that skills and training will continue to be a key priority in 2021, with CME’s 2020 COVID-19 survey adding weight to this issue, finding more than half (55.5%) of surveyed member companies operating in the Peel and South West regions of Western Australia reported “a shortage affecting our ability to recruit for specific roles”. Skilled, experienced and supervisory roles are sought across production (processing), maintenance (electrical and mechanic) and shutdown activities.
This was explored further this month at an SWRC meeting that included presentations from South Regional TAFE’s new Managing Director, Darshi Ganeson-Oats, and Mark Seaward, one of two recently appointed Industry Liaison Managers tasked with ensuring local companies have a point of contact to discuss their skills and training needs. The group also had the opportunity to tour the TAFE automotive training centre and speak with lecturers about flexibly delivery, dual trade qualifications and future courses to meet the growing demand for automation and technology.
The SW Collaboration Working group also met on 2 March, with presentations from Tarsh Woods from GHD about Aboriginal Ranger programs in the Wheatbelt, and from Susan Cull, CME’s State Manager – Regional WA, about school-industry partnerships.
Water security meeting
South West members are encouraged to participate in a meeting to be held on 29 April to discuss the issue of future water security for mining and processing operations. This meeting will be held from 1 – 3pm at Mojo’s in Bunbury.
Contact Sharon Upston, Manager South West
Email: s.upston@cmewa.com
