‘Workforce Development’ (WFD) is a multi-faceted, systemic approach to building the capacity and sustainability of the alcohol and other drug (AOD) workforce. WFD offers a comprehensive way of thinking about and responding to the complex interplay of issues that affect the AOD workforce.
A workforce development approach means moving the focus from individual workers to organisations and systems. It shifts the emphasis from skills deficit to systems enhancement by:
- Identifying and influencing the high-level systems that shape the workforce
(eg: legislation, policy, resources) - Identifying and addressing systems and structures that affect performance and outcomes (eg: support, resources and supervision)
- Developing strategies to support and improve individual performance
(eg: education, training, best practice guidelines) as well as workers’ wellbeing - Implementing strategies to ensure a sufficient pool of skilled workers for the future.
The foundations of WFD rest on the recognition that a range of interactive factors impact on effective AOD work. The key components include:
- knowledge, skills and experience
- organisational structures, systems and culture
- government policies and strategies
- work conditions and opportunities.
In its efforts to improve the quality and take-up of AOD education and training, NCETA has been promoting Workforce Development principles and practices for some years, and has developed considerable expertise in the area.
The WFD approach is now moving into the Australian AOD mainstream, with four states funding WFD units and/or convening high level WFD Committees.
For further information on Workforce Development see the Publications / Workforce Development / Research section on this site.
Workforce Development Issues: Towards a Framework for Action July 2004 (32 KB)
A one page document prepared for the Inter-Governmental Committee on Drugs.
