This article originally appeared on the WorkplaceInfo website.
Human resources management is being urged by new research conducted under the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) to attract, maintain, and up-skill apprentices to drive productivity and growth.
The research, conducted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) into the engagement and retention of apprentices was launched by the Hon Lin Thorp MP, Tasmanian Minister for Education and Skills, at the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI).
It’s Not About Age, Pathways For Engaging Mature Aged People And Existing Workers As Apprentices (It’s Not About Age) was launched at a meeting of ACCI’s Employment, Education and Training (EET) Committee and has developed strategies to improve engagement and retention of existing workers, as well as mature age apprentices.
Peter McMullin, the chair of ACCI’s EET Committee said 'employers need to develop innovative strategies to attract and retain valued employees to meet the vital skills needs of their business now and for the future.
"As the baby boomer generation moves towards retirement, Australia will experience a shortfall of workers aged 15–44. It is predicted that workers aged 45 and over will provide up to 85% of workforce growth in the next decade.
"Employers will need to provide mature age employees with the necessary training to ensure they are able to maintain relevant skills and to "up-skill" in order to meet emerging skills requirements," he said.
As the Australian economy returns to rapid growth, it is imperative that we have the required pool of skills and knowledge to drive productivity. A shortage of these skills would constrain economic growth.
"Using the existing skills that mature aged people and existing workers have can help 'smooth' the time lag normally needed to train an apprentice. This can provide more tradespeople sooner, and fuel the fires of economic growth," McMullin said.
It’s Not About Age investigates their views, attitudes, and perceptions which have assist the building of positive workplaces in order to achieve positive employment and training outcomes for mature aged people, existing work apprentices, and Australian business.
It’s Not About Age is available on ACCI’s website.
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