Australian Labour Market Update Report Shows Resilience Despite Persistent Skills Gap
According to a recent quarterly Labour Market Update from Jobs and Skills Australia, the Australian labour market is thriving, with significant growth in full-time employment and positive developments for the long-term unemployed and underemployed. However, despite progress in some areas, there remains a significant skills gap in many sectors, with the domestic skills system playing a critical role in addressing this challenge.
The report, covering the final quarter of 2022, indicates that while supply has grown and recruitment difficulty has eased somewhat, many industries continue to experience shortages of skilled workers. Furthermore, while employment has grown in occupations requiring university qualifications, the majority of employment growth has been in roles requiring VET qualifications. The report reveals that 60% of total employment growth has been in occupations requiring VET qualifications.
Australian labour market update reveals sectors with persistent skill shortages
While the report presents a positive overall employment outlook, it highlights ongoing skill shortages in fields such as engineering and medicine, particularly in regional areas. The report provides a list of the top 20 occupations in shortage nationally and for each state and territory, including Registered Nurses, Software and Applications Programmers, Aged and Disabled Carers, Child Carers, Construction Managers, and Motor Mechanics.
According to a preliminary analysis by JSA, some of these shortages are the result of a lack of people with the necessary technical skills, highlighting the need for increased investment in training. More information, including the full list of occupations in shortage, can be found at jobsandskills.gov.au/reports.
JSA is also offering a webinar on the report and a general update on 6 March 2023 at 2 pm. To register or learn more, visit Webinar: Jobs and Skills Australia update | Jobs and Skills Australia.