New economic strategy for the West
BMLLEN EO, Graeme Brown, attended on Friday 25 November 2016, the launch of a new report into the West which has recommended a greater link between training and employment to meet a shortage in specialist jobs. The Melbourne’s West – Future Workforce Report has recommended a new economic development strategy be prepared, to set a long-term plan for jobs growth. The State Government will provide $80,000 to fund the strategy, which will underpin job creation in emerging industries.
The recently formed West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WOMEDA) will drive the new strategy, investigating new ways to boost existing industries, such as transport, logistics and construction and attracting new digital and e-commerce investment. The report states local employers need more workers with higher numeracy, literacy and customer service, as well as greater science, technology, engineering and mathematic skills. Structural unemployment was identified in some professions where there was an oversupply of new graduates but shortages for higher level specialist skills.
The report was prepared by Western Melbourne RDA with the State and Federal governments and Lead West. Chaired by former Premier Steve Bracks, WOMEDA is supported by the Western Melbourne Regional Development Australia (RDA), Victoria University and local councils.