Chief executives, not human resources departments, need to take charge of reskilling workers faced with rising unemployment because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report says.
Consultants PWC is warning people without a job now might be unemployed for a long time if they don’t upskill.
They say upskilling needs to happen in the workplace or via short courses.
“Australia has an excellent system of full qualifications for those at the start of their career, however those who are looking for a new skill during their career need more options,” PWC’s Tim Rawlings says.
The report shows that even before the pandemic one-in-five jobs, or 2.7 million Australians that have jobs, could be completely replaced by automation by 2034.
The report commends the federal government for acting through the Job-Trainer package but says business must also step up, suggesting CEOs take responsibility rather than leaving it to the HR department alone.
“The government has recognised what we need, and what business wants, a more agile and nimble way of upskilling people with recognisable qualifications earned during their career,” Rawlings says.
