Stakeholders from key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, trades, health, education providers and employment services attended round table discussions to address the region’s education and workforce needs.
Following the success of last year’s virtual Community Connector Lunches, Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE hosted another series of industry engagement events in Shepparton, Wallan and Wangaratta, focusing on the unique challenges and needs of each community in relation to education delivery and development.
The invitation-only Community Connector Lunches involved a panel discussion and workshop to address the region’s post-COVID-19 workforce needs and understand the value of education in shaping the future of our region.
GOTAFE board members, chief executive Travis Heeney, executive directors and directors were joined by over 85 representatives at the events.
Key themes and issues were raised at all three events, such as upskilling the local workforce, providing education and employment support to emerging industries, and improving access to housing and family support services such as daycare.
GOTAFE executive director of strategy and governance Hannah Turnbull said the networking events also discussed reducing barriers for regional people to re-enter the workforce, and to grow opportunities for young people and women.
“The Community Connector Lunches encouraged frank, open and constructive conversations between valued members of the community and major employers in the north-east region,” she said.
“We look forward to keeping conversations and collaboration going and continuing to address the challenges and the opportunities of our region.”
Solar Integrity business and community engagement manager Bobbi McKibbin was one of the panel members.
“It is fantastic that we can start having these key strategic conversations,” she said.
“Collaboration between education, industry and government will help us solve the issues that we are all facing around not only skills shortages but current and future emerging opportunities for our region.”