Regional development, innovation, skill needs and training: a pilot study in the Shire of Gannawarra, Victoria

This project, undertaken during 2003, was a pilot investigation of the relationship between innovation and the provision of education and training in regional Australia. A large number of industries and enterprises in the Gannawarra region of Victoria are involved in innovative activities and this is leading to changes in the types of training being sought. The study examined four questions. How closely does the supply of education and training match the skill requirements of enterprises? Is there a mismatch between the education and training that is provided, and what is needed, or does one develop as enterprises innovate? What is the magnitude of the problem and are difficulties experienced by only a handful of enterprises, perhaps operating at the leading-edge of their industries, or are they more general? What kind of a response is required, if any? The study found that there is some dissatisfaction among enterprises with the response from education and training providers to their changing skill needs. Issues arising included: the extent to which training providers could give greater assistance to enterprises; and whether training providers could have more access to the specialised knowledge of professional or industry associations and of equipment suppliers. The establishment of Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) by the Victorian Government has been successful in strengthening relationships between educational providers, communities and industry. It is suggested that, if adapted to suit local conditions, similar networks might also be successful in other parts of Australia in helping education and training adapt to meet local needs. Show less