Otago’s first Regional Workforce Plan emphasises the need for more collaboration within the region and across the labour market to counter factors such as skills shortages and unclear career pathways.

The plan was launched today (15 July) by the Otago Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG).

“We view this inaugural Otago Regional Workforce Plan as a call for coordination as Otago emerges from COVID-19,” said Otago RSLG Co-chair Karen Coutts.

“It is a wero [challenge] to strategise for the future and a mechanism to stimulate discussion, coordination, and action towards meeting the emerging skills and workforce needs of our region. It will inform how we tackle some of the issues, challenges, and opportunities we face, as well as elaborate on our vision for the future of Otago’s workforce.”

The RSLG developed the Regional Workforce Plan (RWP) through a process combining in-depth regional analysis and extensive stakeholder and partner input.

“Importantly, the plan is regionally led – it is Otago’s plan,” said fellow Co-chair Laura Black. The RSLG engaged with over 120 regional stakeholders and partners, ensuring the voice of Otago’s businesses, workers and community is woven into the RWP.

“It also responds to, and incorporates, the mahi of regional organisations such as economic development agencies, councils and our Otago rūnaka – all of which have been invaluable in building such a comprehensive scan of the region’s labour market,” Black said. “To those whānau and organisations, we would like to say thank you and we look forward to continuing our work with you.”

The Regional Workforce Plan showcases analysis of the food and fibre, accommodation and food services, healthcare and social assistance and construction sectors. The plan will be refreshed annually.

The Otago RSLG is an independent advisory group of regional leaders charged with identifying and supporting better ways of meeting current and future skills and workforce needs in the region. The group includes representatives from both employees and employers – the supply and demand sides of the labour market.

For more information on Regional Skills Leadership Groups, and to read the Otago Regional Workforce Plan, please visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website; www.mbie.govt.nz/otago-rslg

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