South West jobseekers skill up on future industry trends at career forum

The future is looking bright for South West jobseekers, after Bunbury residents had the opportunity to talk with the movers and shakers from key industries at a skills expo this week.

Tuesday’s South West Future Jobs & Skills Forum 21 brought together more than 50 businesses and educational institutions to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre to give those entering the workforce or looking for a career change the chance to get ahead and understand different jobs.

Organised by the South West Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance, the expo featured question and answer panels, job application assistance, free workshops and career change assistance to showcase the impact of technology, automation and artificial intelligence on the region’s employment landscape.

It provided the chance to start conversations between businesses and the community about innovation in local industries and help job seekers and recruiters better understand how they undertook recruitment, training, skills shortages and business growth and expansion.

The business community could learn from keynote speakers — including Department of Education, Skills and Employment state manager Bruce Needham, City of Bunbury director of planning and development services Gary Barbour and South West Development Commission CEO Mellisa Teede and Westrac general manager technology Alister Macpherson — while those looking to up-skill, re-skill or transfer their skills were also able to benefit from the expo.

Jobseekers were able to take part in workshops exploring management and leadership, how to fill skills shortages with overseas workers, how to start a business idea, and how to explore a career in the care and support sector.