Project summary

This project has developed a toolkit containing a series of frameworks, strategies, and tools to assist SA regional councils in their quest to attract, develop and retain their workforces, including:

• attraction and marketing strategies for local governments as a regional employer of choice
• a local government a careers toolkit that regional local councils can utilize individually or collectively to develop stakeholder relationships with regional High Schools, VET providers, and SA-based universities
• a Careers Pathways Framework for potential local entry-level and mid-level labour markets.

The toolkit aims to understand how to target untapped local labour pools (underemployed) and professional occupations in the local government sector.

Project Delivery

The project conducted desk research, field research and semi-structured interviews across several SA regions with regional SA councils and other key stakeholders (Eyre Peninsula, Upper Spencer Gulf, Mt Gambier, peri-urban councils). This research informed the development of a LG Careers Toolkit, Stakeholder Map Tool and Infographics which can all be utilized by regional LG entities individually and collectively (Regional LGA level and State-wide level) to promote job and employment opportunities in regional LG.

There are multiple uses for the Toolkit in terms of attraction and retention of staff including:

• performance reviews & career planning
• workforce capability audits
• workforce planning and social media and communications postings.

Project Outcomes

A regional career toolkit was produced by the researchers, through working closely with the advisory committee and regional LGAs.

The toolkit contains:

• LG Career Tool
• Stakeholder Map Tool
• Infographics
• Cases studies

The toolkit aims to assist with:

• developing key education and training stakeholder relationships and partnered activities (Secondary, VET sector and Higher Education)
• mapping the options available to diversity the workforce and broaden the human capital pool in regional SA.

Project Evaluation

An extensive project evaluation will be undertaken in 2025. This would look into the uptake and impact of the tool

The steering committee recommended that the outcomes of this project be further developed through the Building Sector Capability project.