Can government training programs and public works projects reduce unemployment?

Click here to listen, download or podcast this interview

Consider the following …

Scenario One

George is unemployed. He’s looking for work. But he can’t find it. What if he had more or better job skills? Surely that would improve his chance of winning a job. Therefore, if the government were to provide effective training in job skills that would reduce unemployment. George would have a better chance of getting a job. And so would everyone else in George’s predicament.

True or false?

Scenario Two

Julie is unemployed. How can we get her working again?

The ACTU (Australian Council of Trade Unions) suggests the following:

If the Federal Government injected between $3 and 4 billion into infrastructure and public works, community services, short term job creation and schemes geared at employing those who’ve been out of work long term, then about 100,000 jobs would be created in 18 months.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence has a similar proposal:

… we need government to lead by investing in training and work programs for jobs that meet social needs.

… Green jobs: … Australia has a long way to go in developing excellence in environmental management … there is a major opportunity for green job creation that can provide significant social and economic benefits

… Social and community service jobs: [with a] serious shortfalls in the provision of many social and community services [there is] considerable scope for government interventions to create jobs, improve social outcomes and quality of life, as well as contributing to the long-term competitiveness of the Australian economy.

Would this work?

Click here to listen, download or podcast this interview

Please note two corrections:

Speaking about the German workforce, Gerry referred to 68% of the German workforce. This should have been 68% of the German INDUSTRIAL workforce.

Also, during this interview, Gerry referred to “Ross Fitzgerald”. This should have been ROBERT Fitzgerald.

Leave a Reply