Government Developing National Workforce Plan For Next Decade
Government is in the process of completing its National Workforce and Manpower Strategic Plan to identify the skills and expertise needed over the next decade.
Speaking in the Senate, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh said effective manpower planning is essential to the country’s future growth and human capital development.
« Keeping up with manpower planning is not just a requirement, it’s an essential requirement. And updating it periodically is critical to the future aspirations of our country, both from an economic perspective as well as from a human capital perspective. »
He said updating manpower planning periodically is essential.
« So there’s been no hesitancy from investors based on the talent pool available to them. I think where we sometimes let ourselves down, or oftentimes lie in the systems we have created that have now that have not allowed our talent to always flourish. And some of these systems are in urgent need of updating, whether it be in the public or private sector, and in our educational institutions. »
He added that the proposed workforce planning also ties into the Government’s five strategic development pillars.
« One is to restore confidence and fiscal stability. Two, unlocking productive investments and jobs. Three, commercialising and optimising public assets. Four, modernising infrastructure, transport and digital services. And five, protecting the people through social investment and safety nets. »
Dr Swaratsingh said the Ministry of Planning is working with the Ministry of Labour and the Central Statistical Office to strengthen labour-market data and address gaps in information needed for workforce planning.
