Skill Shortages Report
The Australia Government’s Department of Education, Skills and Employment releases an annual report that lists where skill shortages are in the labour market. The most-recent report has detailed several sectors where there is a shortage of labourers with qualifications needed to complete the work that’s available.
It’s an exciting time to be working in any one of these sectors because of the high availability of work. Younger job seekers looking to enter the labour market should heed this post and give some consideration to upskilling in any one of the following sectors, to take advantage of the current skill shortages in the Australian trades sector.
Motor Mechanics
Motor mechanics work on a range of different vehicles, repairing and replacing parts that are too old to function or that have developed a fault during operation. They also perform upgrades to vehicles to ensure they’re running as efficiently as possible. At the moment, there are motor mechanic skill shortages in every State in Australia, with the exception of Queensland.
A motor mechanic certification can be completed in as little as 12 months, with full specialisation and an apprenticeship taking five years to complete. With strong employment prospects Australia-wide, this is one trade shortage that promises a fulfilling career to those dedicated to learning the skills of the job.
Other shortages within the automotive and engineering trades workers sector include:
- Sheetmetal trades workers, who are in high demand in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
- Structural steel and welding trades workers, in high demand in New South Wales, regional Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.
- Metal fitters and machinists (including panelbeaters and vehicle painters), who are facing shortages in every state except Victoria.
These industries experience a similar certification turnaround to motor mechanics, taking 12 months to complete a Certificate III, and five years to complete a full apprenticeship.
Construction Trades Workers
Trades workers in the construction sector are in demand based on the number of new construction sites in the State. While residential construction has experienced a recent lull in activity according to the Australian Construction Industry Forum, developments in non-residential and industrial sectors are expected to rise between 2020 and 2021, opening up significant opportunities for those with the skills to do the job.
- Bricklayers are in short supply across all states except Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
- Carpenters and joiners are in high demand in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.
- Plasterers need to be trained in New South Wales, Metropolitan Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.
- Plumbers are in short supply everywhere except for South Australia and Western Australia.
Electricians
Finally, electricians are needed in every state except for Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
If you’ve recently completed training and certification and are looking for work in any one of the sectors listed in this post, get in contact with Brix Projects today. We’ll find full time or part time work for you. For the full Government report, please visit The Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s website.
