The Visual Media Association (VMA) concluded its eight-week P.o.P (Power of Print) Webinar Series this week with a talk from David Barron, executive manager of Stakeholder Relations, Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MISA) on its work to support industry skills and training.
The webinar highlighted industry’s needs for improving apprenticeship completion rates, retaining talent and supporting retirement transition. Currently, there is a major shortage of skilled labour in the visual media industry, which members identify as a critical threat to their businesses.
Given that the Australian workforce is ageing, attracting new talent is crucial for the industry’s future. “It has recently been found that over 34% of the industry workforce are over 50 years and over. In 2006, this was 24%,” advised Barron.
“Manufacturing jobs are not seen as an attractive choice for school leavers. Australia lacks a clear narrative on ‘what we do’, leading to a devaluing of manufacturing careers,” Barron said.
MISA envisions an empowered manufacturing workforce that drives the Australian economy. “We work towards supporting the manufacturing industry across a range of facets, including posing solutions to some of the industry’s most difficult workforce challenges at present. Beginning to recognise the particular challenges your own business is facing will help you navigate a plan in ‘future-proofing’ your workforce,” Barron said.
The VMA says it is focused on skills and training, working on behalf of members to provide engagement and advisement with Registered Training Organisations, TAFE, Training Providers and Government bodies. It champions school leavers programs, skills, importation and assessment services, emerging talent programs, and national training reviews.
Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of Visual Media Association, said, “There’s clearly a challenge in retaining workers for as long as possible and sharing their knowledge along with bringing in a new generation of workers that can learn. By expanding diversity programs in business and moving business knowledge into onboarding programs, the industry will see higher retention of staff and a more diverse cohort in the workforce.”
Business owners can use the webinar series to stimulate thinking about attracting and retaining talent. The previous webinars and Class Notes, which are online for further viewing, provide practical steps for addressing our industry’s challenges.
The VMA thanked the sponsors Ricoh Australia and Media Super for their support of the 2024 P.o.P (Power of Print) Webinar Series. For Class Notes email hello@visualmediaassociation.org.au
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