BuildSkills Australia has continued to expand its national reach, appointing an inaugural State Manager Industry Engagement, Western Australia.
The national Jobs and Skills Council (JSC), established under the Federal Government’s $442 million Jobs and Skills Australia initiative, is tasked with creating a strong, skilled workforce across the building, construction, civil, infrastructure, property and water sectors and is the nation’s leading body for workforce planning, vocational training and research for these sectors.
BuildSkills Australia Chief Executive Officer Brett Schimming said the successful candidate, Ms Amanda Hamilton, had significant stakeholder engagement experience and extensive RTO experience.
“Prior to joining our team, Ms Hamilton was the Manager of the Resources Industry Training Council in WA, and currently sits on the Strategic Workforce Advisory Panel for AUSMASA, the JSC for the mining and automotive industries,” Mr Schimming said.
“Ms Hamilton is also the co-chair of the Technical Advisory Group for UEG Training Package for Powering Skills Organisation, the JSC for the energy sectors in Australia.
“These positions, along with a strong background in vocational education training in the construction industry, mean Amanda is well placed to hit the ground running for BuildSkills Australia.
“Our priority is to develop the first ever national workforce plan for the construction, property and water industries and this work is already well underway,” Mr Schimming said.
“The comprehensive plan, set to be released in coming weeks, will support Federal Government policy making and skills and training needs across the sectors.
“BuildSkills’ workforce plan will place a priority on ensuring the skills and training of today meet the needs of the future,” he said.
Ms Hamilton said she was excited to join BuildSkills and would be looking to advocate on behalf of Western Australia for skills, workforce planning and vocational education.
“The Western Australian economy is strong with continued growth forecast into the future. There is significant investment by business and government in priority infrastructure projects. Strong population growth has put significant demand on the housing market. The good news is that new residential construction is increasing,” Ms Hamilton said.
“However, the availability of skilled trades across the construction sector remains an issue. Western Australia more than ever requires the right volume of people, with the right skills, in the right locations with the right qualifications and training to support the growth of a diverse, highly trained, and competent workforce. I am excited to be a part of contributing to this in my new role at BuildSkills and finding out what changes are required to enable this.”
For more information visit www.buildskills.com.au.
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Media Contact: Chris Reid | +61 411 284 474 | chrisr@buildskills.com.au
