Celebration, Attraction and Retention of a Regional and Rural Workforce

Abstract

In this issue of the Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, the contributing authors explore the impact of partnerships and purposeful engagement in attracting and retaining professionals to regional and rural communities. Attracting and retaining a well-prepared workforce for regional and rural communities is developed through a range of partnerships and strategies and through a range of institutions – such as schools and universities. Small schools play a pivotal role in regional and rural communities and need to be proactive in maintaining their important status. Equally, universities also have a role to play in the development of a professional workforce outside the metropolis. Providing undergraduates with regional experience is a widely used regional recruitment strategy. Overall, these articles provide a fresh outlook and ideas to strengthen regional and rural schools and communities.