Skilling the bay - Geelong regional labour market profile: Briefing report two 

Abstract

The briefing paper presents a description and analysis of the employment profile of residents in the Regional Geelong Area (RGA). The focus is on RGA residents, the skills they possess, where they acquire work and how this has changed over time. Given that at least 20 per cent of the employed population work outside the Area, this means that there is no tight relation between residents' skills and where these skills are employed. This report draws out the implications of the employment profile of the RGA residents with reference to the character and potential of the local labour market. Of note, there are a number of Federal, State and Local Government initiatives that are underway to stimulate employment within the region as well as to reinforce the employment profile of the Area. By considering the skills profile and educational qualifications of Geelong residents and where they seek employment, including their distribution across employment sectors, it is possible to understand the implications of how the population make use of their qualifications and skills sets and where they work, inside and outside the Area. This is the key stepping stone for an understanding of the employment activity within the RGA and the composition of this regional economy as a Manufacturing and Service one. Such an evaluation provides the foundation for the identification of three major sectors for further examination as well as a consideration of the broader themes around jobs and skills transition. It also allows an understanding of the interrelationship between different sectors: manufacturing and service sectors, construction, and transport and logistics. This will enable an understanding of the skills and training potential in the region