IRCA has long advocated for improved funding and opportunities to increase employment, skills development and career pathways within our sector. This was identified as a high priority at the CONVERGE Summit in May and in our sector consultation.

Leading in to 2018, IRCA will be seeking your involvement in addressing employment and skills development through:

• Setting up a sector Advisory group on Employment and Skills Development (see Expressions of Interest)
• Recruitment of an Employment & Skills Development project officer
• Development of a sector-wide Employment and Skills Development Strategy Advocating for funding for more jobs growth program for the sector
• Promotion of traineeships, exchanges and up-skilling programs
• Establishing a monthly webinar series to support capacity building and professional development
• Developing a coordinated approach to the IAS Indigenous employment policy.

We look forward to working with our members and stakeholders to build the capacity and impact of our industry and address a number of challenges including:

• Lack of funding to increase employment and career opportunities within the sector
• Wages and conditions are often at below industry award levels
• Limited training options in some regions and relevant courses to support changing industry needs
• Lack of support for emerging roles in a convergent era- multi-media production, journalism, technical/ IT roles, archiving, translation, digital mentors etc
• The 90% Indigenous employment policy introduced for IAS funding recipients, which impacts many organisations in the sector.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting and media industry provides meaningful jobs and skills which enable us to inform, educate and entertain our people and connect our communities. It is vital that employment is strengthened and that opportunities for further development of the skills of broadcasters, producers, technicians and managers are provided.