The Hunter has a reputation for its hard working, reliable, and flexible workforce that's skilled across a diverse industrial base.
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Employment growth over the past ten years shows a continuing upward trend with employment in the manufacturing sector growing by 3,300 jobs in the period August 2005-2006. Generally, employment across the region since 1996 to 2006 has shown a continuing growth trend with the number of people employed in December 2006 being 286,300 compared with 220,000 in 1996. At the same time unemployment in the region is lower than the state average at 4.8%.
The region has a long history of manufacturing, particularly in general engineering and ship building, and successfully exports manufactured products throughout the world. To maintain manufacturing competitiveness, a work culture that accepts the need to be available around the clock has evolved. As a result, many manufacturing enterprises in the region operate three, eight hour shifts to enable 24 hour non-stop production.
The availability of labour in the Hunter, particularly in the Maitland, Newcastle, Charlestown and Cardiff area is enhanced by an excellent road, rail and public transport network which gives employers access to a very large labour pool. In addition the adjacent Central Coast region, about one hour drive south and with a population of over 300,000, has the capacity to add further to the Hunter's labour pool
Another area of economic growth in the Hunter is in the knowledge-based industries. The University of Newcastle and Hunter TAFE work closely with regional employers to design courses that meet modern business and industry needs.
Absenteeism and staff turnover rates in the Hunter are very low compared with the cities due to the region's more attractive way of life. This lifestyle also helps in attracting new employees to the region and retaining them.
Industrial relations
The Hunter has a progressive, co-operative approach to industrial relations and as a result the number of industrial disputes remains low.
Unions are regularly involved at the highest levels of regional planning and also in the operation of large industrial projects. This cohesion ensures projects are delivered on-time and on-budget.
While large employers tend to work closely with the unions, many of the region's small to medium enterprises have very little contact with them.
The Hunter's unions work together under the auspices of the Newcastle Trades Hall Council and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
Industrial relations support is provided through the two major employer groups; Hunter Business Chamber and Australian Industry Group (AiG), as well as a number of Industrial Advocates.
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| Av.2005 | Av.2006 | |||
| Labour Force | Total | '000 | 289.9 | 298.2 |
| - Males | '000 | 159.9 | 164.6 | |
| - Females | '000 | 130.0 | 133.6 | |
| Male Participation | % | 66.9 | 68.2 | |
| Female Participation | % | 52.5 | 53.5 | |
| Employed Persons | Total | '000 | 272.5 | 279.7 |
| - Males | '000 | 150.1 | 153.6 | |
| - Females | '000 | 122.4 | 126.0 | |
| Unemployed Persons | '000 | 17.3 | 18.5 | |
| Unemployed Rate | Persons | % | 6.0 | 6.2 |
Source: ABS Monthly Labour Force Survey Date Cube/HVRF
| % of Total Employment (Avg) | Hunter | Australia |
| Managers and Administrators | 5.9 | 8.4 |
| Professionals | 15.2 | 19.5 |
| Associate Professionals | 11.0 | 12.6 |
| Tradespersons | 16.8 | 12.7 |
| Advanced Clerical and Service Workers | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Intermediate Clerical, Sales & Service Workers | 17.3 | 16.5 |
| Intermediate Production & Transport Workers | 9.7 | 8.4 |
| Elementary, Clerical, Sales & Service Workers | 11.5 | 9.5 |
| Labourers | 9.1 | 8.6 |
Source: ABS Monthly Labour Force Survey Data Cube / HVRF
| % Total Employment (Avg) | Hunter | Australia |
| Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing | 2.1 | 3.5 |
| Mining | 4.0 | 1.3 |
| Manufacturing | 10.1 | 8.9 |
| Gas, Electricity, Water | 1.1 | 0.8 |
| Construction | 10.3 | 8.9 |
| Wholesale Trade | 3.4 | 4.5 |
| Retail Trade | 17.8 | 14.7 |
| Accommodation, Cafes & Restaurants | 5.6 | 4.7 |
| Transport and Storage | 4.1 | 4.6 |
| Communications Services | 1.4 | 1.8 |
| Finance and Insurance | 3.2 | 3.8 |
| Property and Business Services | 9.8 | 12.0 |
| Government Administration and Defence | 4.3 | 4.7 |
| Education | 6.8 | 7.0 |
| Health and Community Services | 10.3 | 10.5 |
| Cultural and Recreational Services | 1.8 | 2.7 |
| Personal and Other Services | 3.7 | 3.9 |
Source: ABS Monthly Labour Force Data Cube/HVRF
Further information:
Hunter Business Chamber www.hunterbusinesschamber.com.au
Australian Industry Group - Newcastle Branch www.aigroup.asn.au
Newcastle Trades Hall Council www.newtradeshall.com
Higher education in the Hunter is immensely valued with all levels of tertiary education providing courses to maximise the skills of the workforce.
The University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW - Hunter Institute work closely with the business community to develop customised courses to satisfy specific workplace needs.
University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is one of Australia's leading universities and services 23,000 students. As a resource to business and industry, the university delivers a comprehensive range of professional programs across five faculties: business and law, education and arts, engineering and built environment, health, and science and information technology.
Executive and Corporate Programs (ECP) within the Newcastle Graduate School of Business provide flexible, high-quality training, education and professional development for managers and professionals. The Programs are university-based, draw on the latest research and are developed in partnership with clients with a focus on results.
The university also offers many of its graduate programs online via the university owned company GradSchool.com - the leading provider of online postgraduate programs in Australia. With over 1200 students enrolled around the world, www.gradschool.com.au offers flexible learning and the freedom to study anywhere, anytime.
The Hunter Postgraduate Medical Institute provides postgraduate education programs for medical practitioners through self study programs, small group meetings, conferences, lectures and other mediums including online learning.
To find out more about the professional development opportunities available through the University of Newcastle visit www.newcastle.edu.au
TAFE NSW - Hunter Institute
TAFE NSW - Hunter Institute is the largest regional provider of education and training in Australia. It offers more than 500 courses to around 55,000 students across 15 campuses throughout the region.
The Institute provides education and training in response to the needs of individual employers in the region and is known as a leader in providing specialised IT training. It offers workforce training and service agreements with industry and employers.
In 2007 a new initiative, the Hunter Institute Innovation Excellence Program, will be launched. The program is the result of a partnership between the Hunter Institute and the Industry Development Centre to promote and progress innovative products and processes.
Entry into the Innovation Program offers both full time students and employees an opportunity to obtain expert assistance in developing ideas to commercialisation or in the implementation of their innovation. The program also offers the opportunity to be nominated for the Innovation Awards.
The Hunter Institute Innovation Excellence Program is administered by the Educational Development and Innovation Unit.
To find out more about the Hunter Institute visit: www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au
Tocal College
Tocal College is part of the Tocal Agricultural Centre within the NSW Department of Primary Industries. It delivers highly sought after training, assessment and professional development programs for those entering and working in agricultural industries.
To find out more about Tocal College visit: www.tocal.com
Training and development
A large number of accredited vocational training and development companies specialising in occcupational health and safety, management, and leadership operate throughout the region.