In response to the growing concern among business about skill shortages across Victoria, VECCI will be conducting a snapshot survey of skills issues affecting Victorian business.

The VECCI Victorian Skills Survey will collect valuable information from a sample of employers of all sizes, across all industry sectors, and across metropolitan and regional areas.  The survey will identify occupational shortages, recruitment and employment practices, the affect of demographic change on businesses and current employer practices to meet skill needs.

“Concern about skill shortages continues to be a major concern for Victorian business, with `Attracting and Retaining Skilled and/or Professional Staff’ ranked third among 70 issues of concern to business in VECCI’s recent Pre-Budget Survey”, says VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Coulson.

“The results of the survey will provide important information for VECCI to use in working with Governments in developing solutions for employers.

“In November last year VECCI convened the inaugural VECCI Victoria Summit, which brought together all levels of government, business and stakeholder groups.  One of the Summit recommendations called for the establishment of a Victorian Skills Register, which would identify those sectors and occupations experiencing shortage and unmet demand.

“Our Survey will be a step towards constructing such a Register.

“VECCI currently undertakes a range of policy and program measures to assist employers fill skills gaps, including the Positive Ageing Program in conjunction with the Victorian Government, the Federally-funded National Apprenticeships Scheme and Visa and Migration services in conjunction with the Department of Immigration, and Multicultural Affairs”, says Mr Coulson.