Valuable insight into the sport and and recreation workforce

Industries scan provides valuable insight into the sport and recreation workforce

Today, Industry Training Organisation (ITO) Skills Active Aotearoa Ltd.
released their inaugural Sport and Recreation Industries Workforce Scan at its head office in Sages Lane, Wellington.

The comprehensive scan explains the profile and make up of the industries that Skills Active provides for; mainly Community Recreation and Sport, Outdoor Recreation (including Diving), Fitness and Exercise, and Snowsport industries, with some initial work on Performing Arts. Dr Grant Davidson, CEO of Skills Active, who led the project, says the scan was carried out to identify the issues, opportunities and challenges that the workforce is facing and to assist Skills Active’s workforce development strategy.

Skills Active Chairman Sam Napia opened the occasion by congratulating the team on their efforts. “This completed scan is the result of a huge team effort and collaboration with our stakeholders and partners. It’s a great first step in this project in assisting us to better understand and improve the services we provide for the workforce.” Sam Napia said.

“I’m very excited about how this can be used as a tool by not just Skills Active, but all those involved with the industries to better position themselves for future progress.”

Dr Grant Davidson says the Kiwi identity is intrinsically linked to high achievement in sport and recreation both domestically and internationally. He goes onto explain that the scan uses detailed infographics to highlight impressive figures that shift this from anecdotal observation to hard fact.

For example, collectively the industries employ close to 78,000 people with a contribution of approximately $3.9 billion to the New Zealand Gross Domestic Product.

Equally, if not more impressive is the huge value that volunteers involvement in the industries bring to New Zealand. With close to 1 million Kiwi’s having volunteered their time in a single year, just under a quarter of the population has actively contributed. If priced at the average pay rate this is worth an additional $1 billion.

“It’s clear that we have passionate people, incredible environments in which to work and our workers see how their jobs improve the lives of the people they serve.” Dr Davidson said.

Whilst it’s clear that the workforce is dedicated and motivated, the stats and information displayed points out significant challenges. Based on research data collated through collaboration with key stakeholders such as SportNZ and statistical reporting carried out by economic analysts Infometrics, show that it can be tough for workers to develop long-term careers.

Dr Davidson goes onto say. “But the scan shows that whilst we can be proud of our achievements, we can do better at maintaining our talented workforce. It’s a big challenge in today’s competitive market. The current make-up of the work environment with low-pay rates, seasonal work, and a young worker profile means that not many stay around for lengthy careers.”

Included in the document is a Workforce Development Plan outlining the 5 key priority areas for Skills Active address the issues raised. These include designing fit-for-purpose qualifications, innovatively delivered to the workforce, and providing tools to identify and respond to skill deficits in staff so they can grow their businesses.

The document and the individual infographics are publically available to be shared online and in print with attribution to Skills Actice by visiting www.workforcescan.nz

ENDS

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