We’ve all been beginning to notice the upswing in Western Australia’s economy; largely driven by its resources industry with over 1,600 jobs up for grabs in the sector, according to The West Australian.
While the economic improvement is something to rejoice, it goes hand-in-hand with a rise in skills shortages.
The Gap
BGC Contracting, The Downer Group, Civmec, Macmahon, and Roy Hill are in need of about 1,900 workers between them to fill vacancies within the next few months, with some finding it difficult to attract new people, The West reported late last year.
BHP has been advertising to fill about 40 jobs in WA, Newmont and its half-owned KCGM have recently had more than 20 jobs available, Rio Tinto had 30 jobs on offer in WA and FMG had about 10 local vacancies.
But as the job pool is growing, the available candidates are dropping off, making it hard for big businesses to make the most of the upswing and drive positive results for the local economy.
Recent data from Seek showed job candidates for the mining and energy sector fell by more than a third in 2017, while job advertisments for the industry jumped by about 60 per cent, The Financial Review reported this month.
Trades and construction sectors experienced declines in job candidates of up to 15.5 per cent, it said.
Renewable energy, tourism and technology are other industries increasingly struggling to find workers.
The reality is tough for many businesses, but an international approach to recruitment can help reduce the job gaps that the local market cannot fill.
Training
A significant lack of vocational training, apprenticeship numbers “falling off a cliff”, and the 457 visa restrictions are major reasons contributing to the skills shortages, according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as reported by The Fin.
Tourism and construction are two of the sectors most impacted; in need of more expansive recruitment options to fill the gaps.
ACCI chief executive James Pearson highlighted the concern that its members were experiencing, saying the pipeline for providing skilled Australians is being choked and it’s an issue for the nation’s economy at large.
Government
Shadow Minister for Tourism and Small Business, Libby Mettam, recently spoke out against restrictions on bringing in the skilled workers that we need, particularly in the tourism sector.
“As we see the green shoots of the economy coming through there will also be greater pressure on skills to support a range of industries,” Ms Mettam said.
“A skilled work force is fundamental to the sustainability of industry whether it is mining, education, defence, hospitality or the service industry.
“Western Australia needs a policy that aims to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce that is flexible, diverse and responsive to changes in labour market, economic or social conditions – not one that is unresponsive and stifles business confidence and growth,” she said.
