Skills Institute

Monday, 23 January 2012 - 3:48pm

With the latest unemployment figures revealing Tasmania has the nation’s highest unemployment rate, Skills Institute CEO Malcolm White spoke to the Mercury this week about the need for a well-rounded skills set and formal training.

Mr White said the demand for workers in some sectors would remain strong, however now more than ever there was a need for more trained employees in the Tasmanian workplace.

“According to Skills Institute statistics there is an increased demand for skilled labourers in the dairy, horticulture, hospitality and aged-care industries,” Mr White said.

“We have also seen a significant increase in the amount of people seeking formal barista and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualifications, indicating growth in the hospitality industry.

“Natural resource management, horticulture production and dairy were also cited as growth areas within Tasmania.

“Tasmania’s dairy sector was identified as an area of particular interest, and is predicted to be on the verge of a boom, with more skilled workers required particularly in the State’s North-West.”

Mr White said skilled tradespeople were still able to find work, while hairdressers and cleaners were also reported to be in demand.

“This means the demand for skills is very high and I can’t see that changing, as employers are also starting to recognise they need to train their own people,” he said.