How workplace training fuels business growth and economy prosperity

Training plays a significant role in evolving an organisation and its workers, with its ability to advance careers and add to the capabilities of a business, while also advancing the community and positively impacting the economy.

The importance of training and professional development

AIM WA Head of Registered Training Organisations Lesley Reagon FAIM said training and development maintained a skilled and adaptable workforce.

“For individuals, it enhances employability, career progression and personal fulfilment,” she said.

“For Western Australia, with its unique economic reliance on industries like mining, agriculture and emerging technology, investing in workforce development ensures long-term sustainability and prosperity.”

AIM WA Chief Learning and Development Officer Drew Mayhills FAIM highlighted the far-reaching benefits of training, emphasising its positive impact on organisations, the community and the economy.

“Training significantly boosts organisational efficiency and innovation while addressing skills shortages and preparing for future demands,” he said.

“For the broader community, it enhances employment rates and economic stability by equipping individuals with essential skills, reducing unemployment.

“Strategically aligned training programs, especially in sectors with identified future skills needs, can bolster the region’s economic resilience and adaptability.”

Mr Mayhills said organisations should be nurturing a culture of learning, that values and supports ongoing development to meet both current and future workforce challenges.

“Reports from the likes of the World Economic Forum have suggested as much as 50 per cent of all employees will need to undertake reskilling in response to disruptive technologies,” he said.

“Continuous learning is essential, not only for individual success, but also for maintaining the economic vitality of the state.”

Shifting from traditional industries to technology-based sectors 

According to Mr Mayhills, WA’s focus on skills development has transitioned away from traditional industries towards more diversified, technologically oriented sectors.

“Insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveal a global trend towards skills in digital literacy, problem-solving and leadership, reflecting broader economic shifts towards high-tech and service-oriented sectors,” he said.

“Particularly for WA, with its robust mining and resources sectors, the shift includes a strong emphasis on automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable practices.”

Ms Reagon agreed, saying training within the mining, resources, construction and trades industries has evolved to incorporate technology and flexibility, catering to diverse workforce needs.

“Online learning platforms, micro-credentialing and customised professional development programs now complement traditional methods,” she said.

“This progression has been driven by advancements in digital technology, shifting workforce demographics, and the need to upskill quickly in response to globalisation and automation.” 

Ms Reagon said these factors driving the shift in skills focus, along with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating remote work and e-learning, have made workforce agility a priority.

How digital transformation and automation are reshaping workplace skills

According to Mr Mayhills, the Federal Government’s goal of sustained and inclusive full employment in WA has highlighted the need for reskilling, including improving work design and enhancing organisational and individual growth.

“As automation transforms job landscapes, there’s a significant opportunity for organisations to look beyond technology integration and potential job cuts,” he said.

“By redesigning roles to emphasise the human value employees contribute, such as creativity, interpersonal skills and strategic thinking, companies can maximise their workforce’s potential.”

With skills development being a lifelong process, Mr Mayhills said well-designed learning and development pathways enabled individuals to shape their career trajectories.

“Organisations who build flexibility into their career development pathways, allow for role testing and refinement, alongside enabling individuals to target their development in response to an evolving economy and changing economic conditions,” he said.

“On a broader economic scale, the upskilling of the workforce contributes to the state’s economic resilience and growth by improving employment rates and adapting to industry needs.”

Emerging technologies and accessibility barriers to training

While training expands to cater to new technologies, skills gaps in sustainability, AI, leadership adaptability and project management remain a barrier to organisational development.

“As organisations transition to greener practices and digital transformation accelerates, individuals without skills in these areas may face limited career progression,” Ms Reagon said.

“Workplaces will struggle with inefficiencies and reduced competitiveness, while the economy may experience slower innovation and reduced global competitiveness.”

Ms Reagon said training could also be inaccessible to remote and disadvantaged populations.

Designing effective training programs

Keeping up with changing skills requirements and meeting industry requirements are other issues training and professional development programs may face.

However, Ms Reagon said these could be addressed through government funding, new delivery models and continuing consultation with industry.

“Training in technology adoption, leadership, cross-disciplinary expertise and resilience will be critical,” she said.

“Programs fostering agility, critical thinking and collaboration will prepare the workforce for evolving demands.

“Programs must also incorporate digital literacy, project management and emotional intelligence to prepare participants for dynamic workplace environments.

“Flexible delivery modes such as online learning options, including recognition of prior learning, ensure accessibility for diverse learners.”

“Enhanced collaboration between training organisations and industry ensures ongoing relevance and impact.”

Combining business goals with a positive work environment

Mr Mayhills said effective skills and leadership development created a positive, motivated workforce, paving the way for the business to improve future organisational, individual, and public productivity and prosperity.

“A high-performing, caring and open-minded person can significantly enhance both the quality of life of their colleagues at work and organisational outcomes,” he said.

“By investing in leadership development focused on adaptability, inclusivity and strategic foresight, WA can ensure its workforce is prepared to meet new challenges, fostering innovation and maintaining competitiveness on a global scale.

“This approach not only boosts the region’s economic resilience but also enhances its communities’ wellbeing.”

Invest in a stronger WA with AIM WA

AIM WA is dedicated to empowering individuals and organisations across all sectors with high-impact training, leadership development and professional growth opportunities.

As a not-for-profit and education charity, we proudly reinvest our resources in improving workplaces, fostering diversity, advancing workplace wellbeing and supporting NFPs - creating lasting social and economic value for all Western Australians.

Learn more about our social impact initiatives here.