Building the Workforce our Region needs
Across the Illawarra Shoalhaven, industry is growing and evolving. From major infrastructure projects and renewable energy developments to advanced manufacturing and engineering, businesses are expanding and new opportunities are emerging.
With this growth comes an increasing demand for skilled people.
To support members navigating this challenge, i3net spoke with two organisations who work closely with local employers to recruit, develop and retain talent.
In this feature:
Jonathan Pelham – 360HR Solutions
shares insights into recruitment trends and workforce challenges.
Jenny Hirst – Apprenticeship Careers Australia
explains how apprenticeships and traineeships can help businesses build long-term capability.
Recruitment in a Competitive Market
Jonathan Pelham – 360HR Solutions
360HR Solutions has supported Illawarra businesses since 2001, helping organisations recruit professional and technical staff across engineering, construction, operations and corporate roles.
Jonathan Pelham says the Illawarra economy has remained resilient through decades of change, from steel and coal industry shifts to emerging sectors such as renewable energy and advanced technology.
However, recruitment has become more competitive than ever.
Today’s job market requires organisations to think differently about how they attract and retain talent.
Key insights for employers
• Recruitment is now a two-way process
• Candidates evaluate employers just as much as employers evaluate candidates
• Clear communication of career pathways and culture is critical
• Speed matters – the best candidates often receive multiple offers
Jonathan also highlights the importance of retention.
Investing in existing staff development and progression can reduce the need for recruitment and strengthen organisations long-term.
“Good candidates today have options. Employers need to think about why someone would choose their organisation.”
— Jonathan Pelham, 360HR Solutions
Watch: Recruitment insights for Illawarra employers
Building the Future Workforce
Jenny Hirst – Apprenticeship Careers Australia
While recruitment is essential, many organisations are also turning to apprenticeships and traineeships as a way to build their future workforce.
Apprenticeship Careers Australia works with businesses across the Illawarra and surrounding regions to recruit and support apprentices and trainees across a wide range of industries.
As a Group Training Organisation, the organisation employs apprentices and trainees and places them with host employers.
This approach removes much of the recruitment, payroll and compliance burden from the employer.
The process includes:
• workplace visits and safety checks
• understanding the employer’s needs
• recruiting and screening candidates
• ongoing mentoring and support
Apprenticeship Careers Australia remains involved throughout the training period, helping both the apprentice and the employer achieve a successful outcome.
“Investing in apprentices and trainees builds skills, increases productivity and strengthens the future workforce.”
— Jenny Hirst, Apprenticeship Careers Australia
Watch: How apprenticeships can support your workforce
Supporting Industry Growth
The Illawarra Shoalhaven is entering a period of major investment across infrastructure, energy, defence and advanced manufacturing.
Building the workforce to support these opportunities will require a combination of:
- strategic recruitment
- workforce development
- apprenticeships and traineeships
- long-term planning
Organisations that invest early in their people will be best positioned to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
Want to strengthen your workforce?
Connect with the organisations featured in this article.
360HR Solutions
Recruitment and HR support for professional and technical roles.
Apprenticeship Careers Australia
Apprenticeships and traineeships across multiple industries.
Both organisations are active members of the i3net network and are helping local businesses build the workforce our region needs.