The region’s peak business advocacy organisation, Business Illawarra, has today welcomed the announcement of the establishment of a Productivity Bootcamp in South Nowra, by the NSW State Government.

“The government’s commitment of $1.2 million to set up a local Bootcamp offering up to 100 training places is timely given the concerns of many employers about workforce shortages, particularly in the construction sector,” said the Executive Director of Business Illawarra, Mr Adam Zarth.

Productivity Bootcamp is a concentrated 8-week program, giving young people the construction skills and work values needed to succeed in the industry, with hands-on experience across a number of trades.

“Today’s announcement is strongly endorsed as a key measure to support young people on the South Coast to bridge the skills gap and secure employment opportunities in construction.”

“Business Illawarra, through our IllawarraYES program, also works with local employers, youth organisations, government and Registered Training Organisations to meet skill shortages while providing real working opportunities for young people in key growth sectors such as construction.” 

“The local economy continues to recover from the compounding impact of COVID-19 and the bushfires and initiatives such as this will help ensure that we continue in the right direction. Giving young people the skills and training required to work in key sectors of the economy, such as construction, is vital for the Illawarra community and will help to bring the unemployment rate down to pre-COVID levels or better.”

“Developing trade-related skills is a crucial first step to securing future employment in construction and I encourage young people to sign up for the new Productivity Bootcamp and make the most of the practical training offered during the 8-week program,” said Mr Zarth.

For more information on the NSW Government’s Productivity Bootcamp, please visit www.productivitybootcamp.com.au. 

For more information on IllawarraYES or to contact the IllawarraYES Coordinator, please visit www.illawarrayes.com.au.