Don't be caught short - Print 21 magazine article

New Zealand printers have never been in greater demand, on both sides of the Tasman, so short of using old-fashioned methods such as leg-irons and guard dogs, what can businesses do to hang onto their workers? Joan Grace has some enlightened suggestions.

Skill shortages and workplace productivity challenges are currently hot issues in the New Zealand economy, not helped by the unemployment rate having dropped by almost 50 percent over the last 10 years. Meanwhile, many skilled Kiwi printers have moved across the Tasman to take advantage of Australia's larger economy and higher wages.

In New Zealand, unemployment levels have decreased to a low of 3.6 percent (June 2007 quarter) compared to 6.7 percent in 1997. Department of Labour statistics report employment levels now stand at a record high of 2.1 million, with a record high proportion of working-age people (66.3 percent) currently in work. Australia's employment statistics are very similar.

For the New Zealand print industry, this has led to vacancies often becoming hard to fill, with some positions remaining vacant for months at a time. When these positions are filled, it can often be with lower skilled workers who require extra support on the job. Sixty-four percent of 2007 PrintNZ Industry Survey participants report skills shortages as a major threat to the industry.

Many comments were made by survey participants in regards to skill shortages, including:
* "There is not enough quality, qualified staff."
* "Difficulty in employing people with appropriate skills."
* "There is a dire shortage of skilled staff, thus increasing hourly rates for those remaining."

These concerns reflect the findings of the 2006 survey results when 68 percent reported a skills shortage in the print industry, with 29 percent saying this shortage is restricting the growth of their business.

The survey also asked about productivity, with 53 percent of 2007 participants commenting that productivity over the last 12 months has improved alongside 17 percent who said it has got worse and 30 percent who report it has stayed the same.

Your greatest asset
Investing in skills and training is seen to play a key role in lessening the effect of skill shortages and improving workplace productivity. Employees are the biggest asset of a business and their value is increased by them having the appropriate skills, attitude and knowledge to perform at a high level. An employee with a higher level of skills is more likely to adapt easily to new technology, speak up offering new ideas about work methods and generally contribute positively to the workplace.

Employees require a range of skills to complete their jobs:
* Technical skills: the core technical skills required in a particular field
* Foundation skills: including basic reading, writing, numeracy and IT skills
* Interpersonal and general workplace skills: including problem-solving, team work, listening and following work instructions.

For New Zealand employers, PrintNZ Training administers training programmes so that employees can gain these skills. Programmes are available at different levels, providing technical skills for each sector through to full trade qualifications. Apprentices and trainees are visited at least three times a year to ensure they are progressing and receiving the support necessary. The Tertiary Education Commission reports that printing apprentices have a much higher success rate than those in other industries.

Employers are recognising the importance of having skilled staff, with training registrations up by 6.5 percent in 2007 (178 new apprentices and trainees signed on). This year's increase builds upon growth in numbers every year for the past eight years.

Almost 250 employers train apprentices, providing them with an opportunity to gain industry-recognised skills. However, there is a need to go beyond trade skills. Over the last 18 months, PrintNZ Training has been looking at the general skill needs of the industry and has facilitated customer service courses in Auckland and Wellington. Print businesses are also now accessing funding for literacy tutoring through the PrintNZ Training Literacy Fund. Increasing management capability through the use of the Diploma in Print Management is another option for businesses.

The formal training opportunities for businesses are supplemented by regional seminars to help increase knowledge of current business issues including health and safety and the new Government retirement scheme, KiwiSaver. The bi-annual PrintNZ industry conference, held next in October 2008, also provides a personal development opportunity for many in the industry.

No relief in sight
Skill shortages are not predicted to ease. At a recent Business New Zealand meeting, the print industry's message of needing more skilled staff was repeated by leaders in the horticulture, agriculture, insurance, retail, motor and electricity industries. The message for us is "they want our people and we need to keep our people", so what can we do?

Some suggestions:
* Consider both the tangible and intangible benefits of formal staff training and look to see what opportunities you can gain from having people with the 'right skills'.
* Promote learning opportunities to new employees as part of your recruitment process.
* Measure and promote workplace productivity - let your staff know the impact of their actions on the company bottom line - and ultimately their jobs.
* Confiscate their passports!

If you have any questions or feedback on issues raised in this article please email joan.grace@printnz.co.nz