LGA member surveys and the 2022 Workforce Skills and Capability Survey Report commissioned by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) showed local government continue to experience skills shortages in several occupations.

The Building Sector Capability project has been initiated by the LGA and our key partner LG Professionals SA to help address these challenges.

The project has two key components:

• Careers in council: promoting careers in local government through practical information, career profiles and pathways.
• Council resources: development of resources, tools and case studies for councils to use in their workforce planning.

Addressing workforce skills shortages

Many councils are taking action to address workforce planning and skills challenges by developing new skills initiatives.

This project aims to gather and share knowledge, experience and expertise from within the sector to help build capability and promote careers in local government.

By working with councils and key partners, this project will create relevant tools, case studies and resources to address the skills gaps and support councils across South Australia.

Project aims

This project aims to:

• create practical resources and tools for councils across SA to support them to attract and retain staff
• strengthen understanding of the workforce issues experienced across local government statewide
• build knowledge of the efforts local government are taking to build sector capability
• provide greater clarity on strategic opportunities and potential partnerships
• promote local government careers.

Reference groups

A content reference group will be established through an expression of interest process. This reference group will provide guidance on content for all components of the project.

How councils can get involved

Councils can get involved in the project in two ways.

Share a workforce initiative

Many councils have responded to the specific skills challenges they face by developing hiring initiatives or new employment programs.

These include workforce initiatives such as:

• new ways to recruit people into roles that have a limited pool of skilled workers
• giving current employees more opportunities to learn and grow to fill the skills gap.

Councils are invited to share successful examples of workforce initiatives that have made an impact for their council.

Get involved:

• complete a short Workforce Initiatives survey.

Share a career story

Council staff are invited to share their experiences, challenges and successes of working in council.

Get involved:

• complete the Career profile survey.

Career profiles will be used to educate and inspire job seekers and promote the diverse range of roles and opportunities available in councils.

Outcomes

The Building Sector Capability Project will align with two key focus areas.

1. Careers in Council

• Comprehensive Council Careers Guide
  An extensive council careers guide will be developed as a resource for people looking for career pathways within the council sector.
• Enhanced Local Councils website
  The Careers in Council section on the Local Councils website will be enhanced to ensure that job-seekers have relevant, contemporary and inspirational careers content and improved job search functionality.
• Career profiles
  A suite of career profiles from council staff will demonstrate the diverse roles and experience of working in local government.

2. Council resources

This project will provide a streamlined process for councils to access new resources and materials that can help them to address their workforce needs. These include:

• Workforce initiative case studies
  Key workforce initiatives from various councils will be shared across the sector via the LGA Members Portal. These case studies will be valuable reference points for councils seeking to implement similar strategies.
• Webinars
  Selected workforce initiatives will be highlighted in webinars that offer practical insights for councils looking to enhance their workforce development efforts.
• Workforce planning toolkit
  A toolkit for SA councils will be produced.
• Career expo materials
  New resources will support councils who participate in career expos, including banners, videos, flyers, and a Council Careers Guide. These resources will empower councils to effectively engage with job-seekers and showcase the opportunities within the sector.