South Australia Works in the Regions

South Australia Works in the Regions supports people, aged 15 and over who are out of school, out of work and out of training and who are experiencing barriers to their successful participation in the labour market. The Program provides an opportunity for the State Government and community organisations to develop responses at the local level to address specific issues impacting on regional people’s involvement in the labour market.

Whilst broadly accessible, the program will target those people who are facing the greatest disadvantage in accessing education, training and employment.

Please see fact sheets section (listed below) for information on individual projects.

ESF Strategic Plan 2006-2009 MS Word Document

Workforce Development Network

South Australia Works in the Regions by helping regional organisations and networks to identify their region's training and employment needs and to address them in ways appropriate to each region.

The Workforce Development Network has been established to:

- Consult with the local community on employment and skill formation issues;
- Develop partnerships which ensure that all the expertise and resources available in the region are used;
- Develop regional Employment & Skills Formation Plans that address the local training and employment needs of individuals and employers.

The Barossa & Light Workforce Development Network meets bi-monthly to make decisions about skills training that meets the needs of both the region's key industries and its residents, and monitor the implementation of its Plans. It is always seeking further representation from local industry groups and business operators, and would welcome any enquiries about participation.

BLD established the inaugural WDN in the Barossa & Light region in April 2004. Members at that time included significant industry representatives.

Over the last four years the WDN has evolved and matured as a strong voice in the region. The WDN is consistently representing strategic and operational employment and training perspectives targeted to the specific needs of the Barossa & Light region.

There is a strong membership of around 30 key organisations representing:

· Barossa & Light Regional Development Board
· Department of Education Employment & Workplace Relations
· State Government including DFEEST, TAFE SA & DECS
· Local Government
· Industry/business
· Community
· Recruitment agencies
· Education and Training providers

Registration - Workforce Development Network