Regional Development Australia Central West says its Future Skills Survey, which closes on Friday, July 3, will take around 15-20 minutes to complete but will provide a real insight into the region's needs.

"We want to better understand what skill shortages are being felt in the region, and hear directly from businesses about the specific skill requirements they have," RDA Central West CEO Sam Harma said.

"The survey is an avenue to not only find out where the gaps are in the Central West, but help align the right skills with the right job in the right places.

"I am a firm believer that good data helps make good decisions and I think the results of the survey will benefit local businesses and help them grow and remain sustainable."

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

RDA Central West works in partnership with the NSW Department of Industry to deliver the Skilled Work Regional (SC 491) Visa Program for the Central West.

Part of this is the development and review of the Central West Occupation List, with the aim of ensuring that the skills being brought into the region are specific to the needs of our businesses and industries.

Information gathered through the Future Skills Survey will provide a comprehensive base for the review of the 2020/2021 Central West Skills Occupation List and anticipated workforce needs in the area.

The outcomes of the survey will also underpin the planning process and negotiation of a possible Designated Area Migration Agreement for the Central West with the Department of Home Affairs.

The Future Skills Survey is open until next Friday and interested businesses and community members can complete the survey by visiting the RDA Central West website at https://rdacentralwest.org.au.

All information collected from the Future Skills Survey will be kept in line with the RDA Central West privacy policy.