Business NSW’s Post

A lively discussion this morning convened by the incisive David Harding at the launch of the Business NSW 2024 State of the Skills survey with fellow panelists Steve Whan MP and Nigel Palmer. First, I urge everyone to read this report. It captures very useful insights around the drivers of skills gaps that are experienced globally, not just in NSW. It’s clear that while businesses are bringing their usual resourcefulness to the problem, more needs to be done to secure a capable and vibrant workforce that can deliver the safe, equitable, functional, and prosperous world we all want to live in. Small and medium businesses are feeling the pinch in an outsized way, particularly in regional and remote areas. I grew up in a small business family and I know first hand the exhaustion that comes from wearing “all the hats” required to keep afloat and ahead. In an acute skills shortage this is amplified. We all play a role in helping the lifeblood of our economy flourish — relevant education and alternative pathways to prepare future workforces, illuminating career pathways that are not always intuitive to understand, incentives and support to drive innovation, reskilling and upskilling to create new capabilities, applied and accessible technology solutions to help scale and compete, and broad and equal access to participate. The good news is that we’re coming together to tackle the gaps — working across government, education, industry, and peak bodies —because this is a multifaceted and shared problem. Just this week I have attended three events with many of the same dedicated people who are focussed on actions to close these gaps. And I meet new collaborators at every event eager to connect and drive change. This community has #momentum. In the tech skills space we’re seeing some green shoots! 🌱The alternative pathways pledge signed this week by 22 organizations under the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact is an Australian-first (likely world first). 🌱 The Institute of Applied Technology - Digital has reached over 180,000 enrolments signaling strong demand for digital skills developed under a highly collaborative model. In the past week 38,000 small and medium business owners have enrolled in microskills courses across AI, Cyber, Data. It seems fitting at the close of the year (and on my birthday!) to reflect on how far this community has come and how much further we have to go. What we do next with this momentum is key. In 2026, I’m looking forward to working collaboratively and imaginatively with the community to turn the corner. The evidence is in. The reports are in hand. The seeds are planted. It’s time! Dan Macias Daniel Hunter Jane Artup Anatoli Kovalev Helen Fremlin Mustafa Agha Judith Field Matt Crocker Luke Mellare Prabhu Sivabalan Sumith. A. Ryan Black Chitra Andy Rajan Tim Allen Adam P. Steven Worrall Sally Browner Ronald Jackson