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Quantifying and creatively responding to the Australian O&G skills drain

Strategies for a skilled, talented region was the theme of Venture Taranaki’s  latest lunchtime series.

The Trust wasted no time highlighting the critical nature of skill development and retention in the O&G industry. The  loss of skilled people to Australia was placed in particular focus.

Key points included:

  • A prime issue for Taranaki is the increasing loss of the our workforce to Australia.
  • The region is especially vulnerable, due to the Australia’s insatiable demand for a workforce to service its O&G industry growth. Taranaki has become a prime target for its recruitment campaign. The salaries transtasman are attractive. It has become increasingly difficult to retain our experienced O&G workers who are needed here to support our own industry.
  • On average, so far this year, Taranaki is losing almost 100 people per month to Australia.
  • Furthermore, the region is losing people to Australia (permanent/long term departures) at a rate proportionately higher than other parts of NZ
  • Between January 2011 and August 2011, there were 1,089 long term departures overseas from the region. Over 70% of these were to Australia.
  • In comparison, for the remainder of NZ, whilst Australia is a key market, the loss of NZ’ers comprises 58%.
  • Technican’s & tradespeople, professionals and labourers are key occupational loses from Taranaki to Australia.

Venture Taranaki also showcased strategies they have established as a response

They challenged businesses and agencies  to consider their own creative affirmative response.

Venture Taranaki’s strategies include:

  • The Taranaki Jobs web site – The free jobs listing site
  • International recruitment trade missions – an O&G one is currently underway to the UK
  • The Grow Taranaki campaign (with partner WINZ) – promoting a range of employer assistance packages
  • The Swap Sides campaign – promoting the advantages of relocation to Taranaki
  • Assisting employers with marketing and recruitment campaigns

Venture Taranaki is also working with the NZ Petroleum Skills Association on industry strategies and a survey of skills shortages.

Check out VT's initiatives and view the full presentation here.