Heartbeat Project

What is the Heartbeat Project?

The Heartbeat Project is an Australian first and quantifies the skills shortage in specific roles by aggregating data across the industry and projects skills shortages into the future. 

Statistical information is then made available to participating resource sector organisations to assist them in their workforce planning via an online interface called CAPture. 

This information is also provided to Government and key stakeholders to assist in the allocation and development of resources necessary for a sustainable resource workforce.

Methodology:
The data is collected from multiple resource sector organisations and includes data on both permanent and contractor employees.

The pilot was completed in December 2006 and included the participation of nine major companies and five key roles, with a combined workforce of over 16 000 employees. 

In 2007 the Queensland University of Technology audited the Heartbeat Project methodology and validated the approach.

Next steps and national pilot:
In 2007 the Federal Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations approached the Mining Industry Skills Centre and provided $250 000 for a national pilot to include between 50-60% of the industry.

In consultation with the Strategic Leaders Group, 28 key areas of skills shortages that are shared nationally were identified. 

The final report will be launched in December this year.

Benefits of participating in the Heartbeat Project:
The Heartbeat Project provides multiple benefits to participating companies, including:

• Companies can identify trends for specific job roles
• Companies can benchmark their own data against industry wide data, regional data, etc
• Access to this data allows organisations like the Skills Centre to advocate on the industry’s behalf more effectively; and
• Contributes to identifying and prioritising industry activity in the current climate of skills shortages