A regional skills audit is being conducted by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast and Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers.

Results of the audit will help with the development of locally based policies and programs and help advocate for assistance from the State and Federal Government.

Council's Manager of Growth Economic Development and Tourism, Deb Tuckerman said the audit is an excellent opportunity for business owner and operators to identify the positions they are having difficulty in filling, or any training they require to help them meet their needs now and into the future.

"We are aware of the skills gaps in industries such as health and aged care, however specific data from our local businesses will really help quantify the issues and help secure the right support."

Businesses based within the region are strongly encouraged to fill out the online Skills Audit Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthCoastSkills

The audit deadline is Wednesday June 19. Registered businesses that fill out the survey go into a draw for an iPad.

The North Coast Skills Audit follows on from the successful 2017 skills audit conducted by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast. Results from the 2017 audit showed that 50% of respondents indicated skill levels were currently unfulfilled across all sectors on the Mid North Coast region.

An important recommendation from the 2017 audit was the need for collaboration with education and training providers, to address the future education and training needs of each industry sector.