Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced the service will be piloted in Western and South West Sydney, the Mid-North Coast and the North West, ahead of a state-wide rollout next year.
“Access to workforce skills is one of the biggest issues that business is facing, regardless of size of business, industry sector or operational location,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter.
“As the state begins to rebound from lockdowns, it’s even more important that business can access the right staff, with the right skills,” Mr Hunter said.
“As already being experienced overseas, workforce shortages are expected to become an even bigger issue as consumers become more confident in their purchasing post the pandemic.
‘In our recent Business Conditions Survey released just this week, 40 per cent of businesses reported that they were ready to “snap back” as soon as the government announced opening. Many other firms were not far behind.
“However, in that same survey, 42 per cent of businesses indicated they were already experiencing a skills shortage and that they were having difficulty in recruiting the people they need, even in the midst of the lockdown.
“Primary industries such as agriculture and mining reported the most difficulty in filling vacancies, and initiatives to help address these shortages are strongly supported.
“As people consider their working options as we reopen, it is a crucial time to help them understand which skills are required and which industries are most in demand.
“Business NSW will be encouraging members of the broader community to become involved in the Careers NSW initiative, with a view to it being rolled out more widely across the state over the coming months,” Mr Hunter said.
