How PRISONERS could assist in resolving Australia’s labor shortage as desperate employers battle to locate workers.
Under a radical new suggestion, prisoners might aid Australia’s labor shortage.
There are now more than 40,000 individuals in Australian jails.
The director of a mining business desires to train offenders to work in vital industries.
Under a bold new proposal by an industry executive, Australia’s labor shortage could be alleviated by utilizing the country’s 40,000-strong prison population.
As the pandemic and blocked borders continue to wreak havoc on businesses across the nation, key industries, such as mining and construction, struggle to recruit workers.
Steve Fordham, managing director of indigenously-owned Blackrock Industries, has suggested convicts as a viable answer.
Mr. Fordham told AFR, “My objective has always been to explore outside the box for more traineeships.”
People view the prison population as a burden, yet it could actually help alleviate the trade deficit. Everyone is entitled to a second opportunity.
Under a radical new plan offered by an industry executive, Australia’s labor shortage may be alleviated by the country’s 40,000-strong prison population.
As the impact of the epidemic and the closure of borders continues to have a negative effect on businesses across the nation, key industries such as mining and construction are struggling to fill positions.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that there are an average of 30,330 prisoners in Australian jails per day.
In the March quarter, 12,317 persons were incarcerated in New South Wales, 9,149 in Queensland, 6,659 in Victoria, 6,304 in Western Australia, 2,998 in South Australia, 1,881 in the Northern Territory, 659 in Tasmania, and 378 in the Australian Capital Territory.
Mr. Fordham suggests that teaching inmates to fill open positions might be a quick and practical solution to staff shortages.
Steve Fordham, managing director of indigenously held Blackrock Industries, has identified prisoners as a possible answer to Australia’s labor problems.
He stated, “Within construction and mining, there are a variety of skill sets, and there is always room to grow; all you need is the determination to show up.”
Additionally, the managing director of Blackrock pushed the federal government to expand immigration.
This week, Mr. Fordham will pitch the concept at the Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra, which will attract 143 Australian political, labor, and industry leaders.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that there are an average of 30,330 prisoners in Australian jails per day.
According to Dr. Mindy Sotiri of the Justice Reform Initiative, the “great majority” of the 50,000 convicts who leave prison each year in the United States are only serving short sentences; nonetheless, just 22% are employed within two weeks of their release.
She believes that the program could be essential for the successful rehabilitation of inmates into society.
Dr. Sotiri told AFR, “With Australia suffering a serious labor shortage in so many sectors, there is a clear opportunity to invest in Australians and do more to prepare persons exiting jail to enter the workforce.”