Join the discussion to prepare for the future of work in Queensland

Queenslanders are being encouraged to contribute to the discussion on what the future will mean for jobs in Queensland through a discussion paper released today.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman launched the Jobs Queensland’s discussion paper The Future of Work in 2030 – Evolution or revolution? at the Employability Symposium 2019 on the Gold Coast today.

“We know the future of work in our growing state is changing rapidly and we need to start planning now so that we have the Queenslanders with the right skills and digital capabilities for the jobs of the future,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The discussion paper explores how key drivers of change across society are influencing work, the structure of employment and how we educate, train and skill people.”

“The rise in automation, robotics and artificial intelligence is generating a significant amount of public discussion and debate about the future of work.

“And our workforce will continue to grow but it will mean we’ll need to invest in our skills and training to make sure that young Queenslanders can fill these jobs of tomorrow.”

“It is vital we look at what is actually happening in Queensland in detail, so we can consider and discuss the key opportunities and implications presented by these changes in an informed way.”

Jobs Queensland Chair Professor Peter Coaldrake said the discussion paper was part of a broader research project examining what the impact of these changes to the future of work will mean for Queensland’s skills and employment system.

“Jobs Queensland has undertaken an extensive review of national and international literature to consider the key drivers shaping the future of work in Queensland,” Professor Coaldrake said.

“We know technology is transforming the ecomony and how business is done.

“Jobs Queensland’s preliminary research also tells us we need to understand how technology combines with other key drivers like the state’s changing demographic profile and other social and economic shifts.”

To seek input onThe Future of Work in 2030 – Evolution or revolution? discussion paper, Jobs Queensland will conduct a range of forums and research activities to hear from industries, unions, regional communities and individuals on how change is impacting them and the responses they are putting in place.

Written submissions to discussion paper close on 15 March 2019.

A social research project is also being undertaken by Jobs Queensland. This will consider the uptake of work through digital platforms and the impact of technology on jobs and skills in Queensland.

Outcomes from the consultations and the social research project will inform advice that Jobs Queensland will provide to the Queensland Government.

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