Guest post by AIM Education and Training CEO

The national concern about the direction of Australia’s economy – brought to a head last month with a change in both Prime Minister and Treasurer – has overshadowed areas where growth is seemingly unstoppable.

One of these areas is Western Sydney, the third (yes, third) largest economy in Australia after Melbourne and Sydney CBD.

Recently released research has reveals more than 42,000 white collar positions are currently unfilled in Western Sydney, many of these business management positions.

These are astounding statistics and they highlight the growing need for developing leadership and management capability.

While the area is fast becoming the land of opportunity for businesses and investors, more work needs to be done to ensure that locals are provided with the tools they need to share in this economic success.

The Skills Barometer 2015, put together on behalf of TAFE Western Sydney and Western Sydney Business Connection, also reveals that while around half (47%) of applicants are under-qualified for available positions, managers are the most under-qualified at 52%.

Statistics like these could have serious effects on the prospects for business growth while severely limiting productivity in an economy that should be going from strength to strength.

Recommendations of the Skills Barometer report call for greater numbers of funded VET courses as well as more flexible training options to support those workers that are looking to upskill in these critical areas.

AIM has recently begun providing leadership education locally in Parramatta and we’re excited about the opportunity to engage with the business community in the wider area to play our part in filling these skills shortages.