Start-ups urged to use government funding to up-skill staff

Start-ups facing skills shortages this Christmas should take advantage of government funding to up-skill their existing staff, according to a sales and marketing expert.

According to a recent IPA Recruitment survey, the number of job vacancies rose by 6.9% in October following a 5.7% decline in September.

IPA general manager of sales and marketing Darrell Hewton says the increase is typical of this time of year as employers prepare for the Christmas period.

Skill shortages continue to loom, particularly in industries such as health, education and professional services, which are showing steady demand in available positions.

According to Hewton, start-ups should look at up-skilling their existing staff before recruiting additional staff.

“There are two angles that an employer can take. One is that they can go and compete for labour in a wider market – and that’s what tends to happen with the larger employers – or grow from within,” he says.

“We’re encouraging SMEs and start-ups to use the availability of funding to grow their own staff.”

“You get your cultural alignment right and you get your loyalty factors right, which is far more productive in the long run that going out and paying fees and higher salaries.”

Hewton says start-ups should take advantage of government funding to up-skill staff, most notably the Australian Apprenticeship Incentives Program.

“With apprentices, you’re looking at funding up to about $4,500. That’s one avenue that we’re suggesting to employers – if you’re looking to grow your talent, tap into that apprenticeship funding,” Hewton says.