Silly Season is real in the market for jobs and skills
The term “silly season” has become associated with this festive time of year, when there are typically a higher than usual number of social engagements involving lots of indulgent food and drink.
Many segments of the job market usually slow down in November and December as businesses prepare for the summer break and reset. However, this year we are seeing few signs of any slow down! On the contrary, new vacancy levels remain very high and demand for skilled workers is continuing strongly.
Demand for workers still high
The demand for staff continues to be elevated, with labour and skills shortages remaining a major concern for local businesses. Shortages are across a wide range of industries and roles, but interestingly we have seen demand from employers in workers with skills in technology and cyber security, perhaps off the back of recent high-profile incidents.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work investment in Central Queensland
It was recently announced by Di Farmer, the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, that the Queensland Government has assigned $2.2 million to assist 178 people in Central Queensland as part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) initiative.
Community based organisations can apply for the funding to help them provide training to participants in the local area.
Within Gladstone, the funding will assist 20 people transition into work through the Gladstone Area Group’s program “Ignite your Opportunities”. Trainees will complete workplace skills certification with not-for-profit organisations throughout Central Queensland, providing future employment opportunities for the trainees and extra support for the organisations.
Also receiving funding from SQW is Multicultural Australia in Rockhampton, with funding to support the creation of 26 jobs by connecting employers with jobseekers from migrant backgrounds.
There are lots of skilled migrants living in our local region with either un-utilised or under-utilised skills, where their experience was obtained overseas. At Jobs In Central Queensland, we know that these programs are a great way to assist migrants with their transition to the Australian workforce and in turn help businesses to fulfill their skills shortages with motivated workers.
Capricorn Enterprise releases its economic profile
Capricorn Enterprise has presented its economic overview of the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton area, reporting that the data “reveals a prospering regional economy”. CEO, Mary Carroll reported that along with expected growth in the health care sector, the value of housing increased, unemployment decreased, and airport passenger numbers grew.
The report also revealed increases in the agricultural industry, from livestock production and fruit crops. In line with this, unemployment across the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton region decreased to 4.7%, with the majority of jobs growth met by people living in the area.
Seasonal influences
With Christmas just around the corner, we have naturally seen a spike in employment across the retail and transport and logistics sectors. Although its business as usual as far as COVID-19 is concerned, the latest wave has seen staffing in these sectors tighten, as those of us waiting on our parcel deliveries will have experienced.
Casual vacancies in hospitality have increased to meet demand over the holiday period.
It remains to be seen what impact the rising cost of living has on the local economy over the holiday season. It is expected that the cost of groceries in the lead up to Christmas will skyrocket, after the effects of repeated flooding of crops this year, whilst fuel prices are set to rise. Whether businesses put in place strategies to assist their staff through this period of financial pressure remains to be seen.
Queensland’s economy leads the nation and has the strongest jobs growth, and we’re certainly continuing to experience strong demand for staff here at Jobs In Central Queensland. Whilst we may be reallocating our personal spending, the hope is that Central Queenslanders will be in position to enjoy all that our beautiful region has to offer over the Christmas and New Year break.
The team at Jobs In Central Queensland thank you for your support over the year and extend our very best wishes for a happy and safe Christmas and New Year!
For more information and insights about the local CQ job market and opportunities Register.