Skills Solution In Our Backyard

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday July 23, 2005

By GREG ELLIS

EMPLOYMENT agency operator Eddy De Gabriele is determined to overcome the Illawarra's skills shortage and help the prospects of the region's unemployed.

Up to 1800 jobs are required for major capital works projects in Wollongong and, according to Mr De Gabriele, it is time for the local employment industry to pull together to look after its own backyard.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show the region has the third highest unemployment rate in NSW and Mr De Gabriele believes job network providers and employment agencies should lobby politicians and tackle issues that will help generate more casual and permanent employment.

The Edmen Employment director and recently elected Recruitment and Consulting Services Association regional councillor believes reducing the skills shortage in Illawarra's industrial sector could be as simple as making a job description more relevant to teenagers in 2005.

He said the RCSA, a national body that represents private and government funded employment agencies and a national voice for casual employees, could provide the catalyst to form a regional lobby group.

The RCSA previously made decisions from Sydney but Mr De Gabriele said the Illawarra should be allowed to control its own destiny.

Round-table discussions would give everyone in the industry an opportunity to raise ideas and express their opinions.

A formal sub-branch would notify the RCSA state executive about issues it would like addressed on a state and national level to help governments frame legislation that was applicable and practical.

"I don't want to be on a committee and have a talk-fest. I want something to come out of it quickly."

Mr De Gabriele said he was concerned how legislation treated the casual workforce but believed a regional body could also tackle many social, transport, skill shortage and skilled migration issues.