Roger Harris University of South Australia Successes and stumbling-blocks: the role of research in informing changes to workforce development practices in industry Roger Harris University of South Australia

Presentation outline 1. Introduction 2. Context of Australian rail 3. CRC for Rail Innovation and the Workforce Development Program 4. Successes? 5. Stumbling blocks? 6. Conference theme: Role of research in informing changes …?

1. Introduction Role of research in informing changes to workforce development practices in industry The Changing Face of Rail (2006): ‘a sustained lack of investment in capability development of the workforce’ (p.71). - expand the perception of capability development beyond training - ‘allow industry stakeholders to come together to begin to discuss and debate issues which are larger than any one operator can address individually’ 3 significant themes: sharing knowledge, building capability, promoting harmonisation

2. Context of Australian Rail Rail – a major national industry: - 170 companies; 110,000 people - Transport & Logistics Industry Skills Council: ageing workforce & insufficient replacements; competition from resources industry; poor industry image; lack of understanding of opportunities available reports from industry of inadequate focus on workforce development & training trainers & assessors in demand, but leaving for other industries to seek more favourable pay and conditions employees are less likely to stay for years with the one employer, and retention is increasingly becoming an issue for employers reports of a drop in the number of overseas engineers relocating to Australia for a number of reasons relating to rising costs of living, visa changes & competition from other countries with lower taxation environments

3. CRC for Rail Innovation Consortium: core of 19 rail companies and 7 universities 2007 – 2014 program of research Federal Government and industry funded: A$113 million Largest research program in history of Australian rail Workforce Development Theme - one of 6 research themes - 22 projects - Teams of researchers from various universities - Project Steering Committees from industry - Applied research and development

Workforce development? New concept in Australia – National Workforce Development Strategies (2010, 2013) ‘... those policies and practices which support people to participate effectively in the workforce and to develop and apply skills in a workplace context, where learning translates into positive outcomes for enterprises, the wider community and for individuals throughout their working lives’ Goes beyond training – a ‘whole of organisation’ approach Draws on HRD and workforce planning Umbrella term: where you are where you want to be

Set out to achieve the following benefits: Reduced costs/time Set out to achieve the following benefits: Improved efficiency Increased attraction & retention Enhanced professional image Enhanced capability for the future

4. Successes? Publications: e.g. research reports, journal articles, conference papers Websites: e.g. Skills Recognition; Mentoring and Coaching; Skilled Migration; Attraction and Industry Image Online guide: Australasian Career Pathways Guide 4 courses: Safety Management, Track Infrastructure Work; Electrical Traction Engineering; Rail Incident Investigation 75 Higher Degree graduates (and theses) Collaboration – industry and academia

5. Stumbling blocks? Feasibility Silo mentalities Accountability Evaluation Mobility of personnel Politics Maintaining consistency Change takes time!

Conference theme: the role of research in informing changes …? Helps in demystifying and clarifying Raises questions! R & D industry doesn’t have time to do We can lead a horse to water, but …! OECD recognises Australia as ‘an innovator in WFD and skills utilisation’ What hampers efforts to build on successful experiences and learn from one another is ‘the diversity of views and understandings’ (Skills Australia 2010, Austn. Workforce Futures, p. 71)