Speaker - Paula Martin

Last week we were joined by Business NSW Regional Director, Paula Martin. Paula gave us a snapshot of where the Central Coast sits within the broader NSW and national economy.

Locally, small business is the backbone of this region with a major focus on tourism, accommodation and hospitality. We also have a large health and aged care sector, manufacturing and an agricultural focus locally.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the shortage of skilled labour was already a problem for the Central Coast, particularly in our high value-added industries like food production and advanced manufacturing.

After two years of closed borders and a lack of international students, that problem has only intensified. Labour shortages are now affecting every industry across the Coast and our hospitality, aged care and agriculture sectors have really felt the bite

of no overseas workers.

With the current severe labour shortages across all industries on the Central Coast, upskilling our local workforce, coupled with an increase in permanent skilled migration, should also be a priority for the Government so Central Coast businesses can take advantage of the post-COVID economic recovery.

Paula talked through the challenges local business faces in growing their enterprises without the labour and skills required. Paula is particularly interested in the TAFE and University sectors capacity and ensuring courses offered locally are both available and affordable for our local young people or indeed, workers who need to upskill or change sectors. We really valued our time with Paula and appreciate her time within a very busy schedule.

Thank you Paula!

Read More on what Paula has been up to here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-martin-7b589a5/