The Skills Formation Taskforce is in Bunbury as part of its state-wide tour to address the skills shortages facing Western Australia and its booming economy.
South-West minister Norm Marlborough said major changes to WA's training system were urgently needed if the state was to meet the demands of its growing economy.
"The economy is booming in the South-West and by 2008 another 3,500 trades people will be required in the region," the Minister said.
"There is already an existing shortfall of skills in the South-West and, despite a great take-up so far by industry, more work needs to be done."
The Skills Formation Taskforce was established to invite input from employers and workers throughout the state to help overcome current skills shortages and strengthen the state's training system to meet future needs.
"These forums are a vital tool for all major stakeholders to have their say about the challenges facing the South-West and the rest of the state in reforming our apprenticeship and traineeship system," Mr Marlborough said.
"We need to reform our apprenticeship and traineeship system but we must do it with the support of employers and workers.
"That is why we are holding these forums to give all the major stakeholders a voice in these important changes.
"Workers, employers and the state's economy stand to benefit from the reforms."
A total of 10 forums are to be held across the state from the Kimberley to the Great Southern, with the first forum held in Geraldton earlier this month.
