The Importance of Upskilling the Local Workforce

The EMA recently released figures from employers saying that between 17-22% are lacking in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. The article goes on to say, “There is also a significant mismatch between the skills required for advertised roles and the skills of applicants showing an urgent need to workplace training to build up the local workforce”. 

Education Unlimited client, Cassidy Construction is feeling this firsthand with several issues adding to the pinch. As an employer with migrant workers, they invest in considerable resource to upskill literacy in English. A number of these employees have been with the company for years and, before the pandemic were on track for residency. But with delays to that process, Cassidy is unable to access government funding to ensure their literacy skill are adequate for their roles. Instead, Cassidy is currently funding this vital work for 8.5% of their workforce themselves. To meet labour demands and as an employer that values giving New Zealander’s opportunities, they also focus on hiring locally, investing in literacy, numeracy, and digital training. 

Education Unlimited is a part of several initiatives providing work readiness skills to people not yet in employment. A recent example is the Link Alliance Progressive Employment Programme, where five young graduates completed a 16 week work ready programme and came out with jobs in the construction industry leading to genuine sustainable careers.

Tina Rose, Founder and Director of Education Unlimited says “It takes a really committed employer, with a long-term view to invest in the confidence and competence of their people. They don’t want to lose the people they have because there is a very real fear that they won’t be able to replace them.”

Given the current state of the labour market and immigration settings, Tina says there should be a renewed focus on developing the critical skills of local workers which benefits the employer. “When you invest in people, they feel valued. When employers do this mahi, they see loyalty.”

And to those who say that there is a risk in training people? Tina says there are two options: Train them and they might leave or don’t train them, and they stay. When an employer invests in its people, employees more often than not reward this with loyalty and hard work. They feel valued and everyone benefits.”
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What do you think employers should be focusing on to stabilise their workforce?

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