More skills to drive economy
Addressing the deepening skills and labour shortage will be a continuing challenge for the new Government.
The Employers and Manufacturers Association said this week that a truly cohesive strategy was needed to grow the workforce - now and into the future.
‘‘Automation and advancements in technology will certainly change the way we work, however we will always need people. In our most recent survey 65 per cent of respondents said there is, or soon will be, a skills shortage in their sector. This is clearly an area the next government needs to address,’’ said EMA boss Kim Campbell.
He added that the impact of key demographic changes, such as a declining birth rate and an ageing population, had to be fed into the wider discussion.
The contentious issue will be the role of immigration in that debate, and there also needs to be some work done around getting businesses to recognise the value of the older workforce which still wants to be economically active.
In the debate around diversity, the over 50s, 60s and 70s workers are often forgotten, yet many find it difficult to find work despite being highly qualified and experienced. It’s time this energy could be harnessed for the good of us all with some creative ideas for lifelong career development. At the other end of the spectrum, New Zealand’s young people need more high-quality training opportunities.
EMA is currently leading a multi-organisation workstream on managing an ageing workforce, and not before time.
Finally, this is my last column as Sunday Business Editor. It has been a pleasure to get to know the Kiwi business world and some of the inspiring people in it.
In fact, I have been so inspired that I will be working more closely with boards and directors in a new role. Thank you readers for your comments, both encouraging and critical, and for your stories and thoughts. The best of luck to you all.