Australia struggles with skill shortage: Professor Peter Dawkins unveils 2023 skill report

On the 4th of October, Professor Peter Dawkins, a prominent figure in Australia's education landscape, delivered a pivotal address at the National Press Club. He presented the key findings of the recently released 2023 Jobs and Skills Report, titled "Towards a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap." The report sheds light on Australia's significant skill shortages across various occupational sectors and underscores the vital role that migration can play in addressing these shortages.

 

" The National skill system, vocational education and training, higher education, and migration play crucial roles in ensuring the quantity and quality of professionals like electricians, engineers, nurses, childcare, and aged-care workers."

 

Skill Shortages in Australia

Skill shortages present a significant challenge for Australia, indicating a problem that has been prevalent since the 1960s. The country also anticipates potential skill challenges in the next three decades as it progresses towards net-zero emissions. Occupations such as electricians are already facing notable shortages, while the demand for health, care, and support professionals continues to rise. The prevalence of digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence throughout various industries also highlights the need for retraining and upskilling.

The report reveals that 36% of occupations assessed by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) in 2023 were facing shortages, a substantial increase from previous years. These shortages cut across various sectors, with professions such as nurses, engineers, and ICT specialists being particularly affected.

 

"Skill shortages in Australia have become a pressing concern, reminiscent of the shortages experienced in the 1960s."

 

The national skills system

The central focus of the roadmap will be how to enhance the national skills system to play its part in achieving these objectives. Its three key pillars on which we are focussed are:

  • Vocational education and training (VET)

  • Higher education

  • Migration

 

The Role of Migration in Bridging Skill Gaps

To tackle these shortages, Australia must consider various strategies, including migration. The report highlights that increasing wages can be a lever to attract workers to high-demand occupations. However, it notes that wage adjustments have been infrequent in response to skill shortages. Therefore, the report suggests that upward wage adjustments could be employed more effectively to attract skilled workers.

Moreover, the report categorizes skill shortages into four types: training gap shortages, suitability gap shortages, retention gap shortages, and qualification gap shortages. Each type requires specific interventions, such as increasing training capacity, enhancing work-integrated learning, and improving job conditions to retain workers.

"To address these shortages, Australia must consider a broad range of strategies, including migration."

 

The Clean Energy Workforce 

The report also delves into the clean energy sector, emphasizing its role in Australia's journey towards net-zero emissions. It predicts a substantial demand for workers in this sector, particularly in trades, technical occupations, and engineering professions. The growth of the clean energy workforce will predominantly occur in regional Australia, presenting a unique opportunity for the country.

To meet this demand, Australia must invest in education and training, fostering deeper collaboration between vocational education and training (VET), higher education, and industry. Additionally, the report suggests considering international students for apprenticeships and migration as means of addressing shortages.

"The clean energy sector presents a significant opportunity for growth and job creation in regional Australia."

 

Toward a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap

In conclusion, the 2023 Jobs and Skills Report underscores the critical need for a coordinated approach to address skill shortages in Australia. The proposed National Jobs and Skills Roadmap aims to integrate efforts across education and migration systems to secure a prosperous and equitable future for the nation. The report emphasizes the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers through various strategies, including wage adjustments and targeted migration programs, as Australia continues its journey toward a sustainable, skilled workforce.

 

The report emphasizes the importance of attracting and retaining skilled workers through various strategies, including wage adjustments and targeted migration programs.

 

According to Professor Dawkins, “JSA projections show around 2 million more people will be employed in the Australian economy in 2033 than presently. All industries are expected to grow, with the greatest growth expected in the Health Care and Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Education and Training industries. The occupation groups projected to experience the strongest employment growth are Professionals, Managers and Community and Personal Service Workers. For example, the care and support workforce is expected to grow by almost 145,000 workers between now and 2033”. He recognised the importance of migration strategy, “Migration will also have to play its role in positioning Australia as a destination of choice to attract and retain workers in critical roles, complementing the domestic workforce”.

 

Australian Skilled Priority List (SPL) 2023

ANZSCO

Occupation

National Shortage Rating

121311

Apiarist

Shortage

131112

Sales and Marketing Manager

Shortage

133111

Construction Project Manager

Shortage

133112

Project Builder

Shortage

133211

Engineering Manager

Shortage

133612

Procurement Manager

Shortage

141999

Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec

Shortage

221113

Taxation Accountant

Shortage

221213

External Auditor

Shortage

221214

Internal Auditor

Shortage

222113

Insurance Broker

Shortage

222311

Financial Investment Adviser

Shortage

223112

Recruitment Consultant

Shortage

223113

Workplace Relations Adviser

Shortage

224111

Actuary

Shortage

225113

Marketing Specialist

Shortage

225411

Sales Representative (Industrial Products)

Shortage

225499

Technical Sales Representatives nec

Shortage

231111

Aeroplane Pilot

Shortage

231113

Flying Instructor

Shortage

231199

Air Transport Professionals nec

Shortage

231212

Ship's Engineer

Shortage

232111

Architect

Shortage

232212

Surveyor

Shortage

232214

Other Spatial Scientist

Shortage

232412

Illustrator

Shortage

232413

Multimedia Designer

Shortage

232511

Interior Designer

Shortage

233111

Chemical Engineer

Shortage

233112

Materials Engineer

Shortage

233211

Civil Engineer

Shortage

233212

Geotechnical Engineer

Shortage

233213

Quantity Surveyor

Shortage

233214

Structural Engineer

Shortage

233215

Transport Engineer

Shortage

233311

Electrical Engineer

Shortage

233411

Electronics Engineer

Shortage

233511

Industrial Engineer

Shortage

233512

Mechanical Engineer

Shortage

233513

Production or Plant Engineer

Shortage

233611

Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)

Shortage

233612

Petroleum Engineer

Shortage

233911

Aeronautical Engineer

Shortage

233912

Agricultural Engineer

Shortage

233913

Biomedical Engineer

Shortage

233914

Engineering Technologist

Shortage

233915

Environmental Engineer

Shortage

233916

Naval Architect / Marine Designer

Shortage

233999

Engineering Professionals nec

Shortage

234111

Agricultural Consultant

Shortage

234114

Agricultural Research Scientist

Shortage

234115

Agronomist

Shortage

234116

Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist

Shortage

234212

Food Technologist

Shortage

234411

Geologist

Shortage

234412

Geophysicist

Shortage

234413

Hydrogeologist

Shortage

234711

Veterinarian

Shortage

234912

Metallurgist

Shortage

241111

Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher

Shortage

241213

Primary School Teacher

Shortage

241311

Middle School Teacher / Intermediate School Teacher

Shortage

241411

Secondary School Teacher

Shortage

241511

Special Needs Teacher

Shortage

241512

Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

Shortage

241513

Teacher of the Sight Impaired

Shortage

241599

Special Education Teachers nec

Shortage

242211

Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher

Shortage

251211

Medical Diagnostic Radiographer

Shortage

251212

Medical Radiation Therapist

Shortage

251213

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Shortage

251214

Sonographer

Shortage

251411

Optometrist

Shortage

251511

Hospital Pharmacist

Shortage

251513

Retail Pharmacist

Shortage

251912

Orthotist or Prosthetist

Shortage

251999

Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec

Shortage

252312

Dentist

Shortage

252411

Occupational Therapist

Shortage

252511

Physiotherapist

Shortage

252611

Podiatrist

Shortage

252711

Audiologist

Shortage

252712

Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist

Shortage

253111

General Practitioner

Shortage

253112

Resident Medical Officer

Shortage

253211

Anaesthetist

Shortage

253311

Specialist Physician (General Medicine)

Shortage

253312

Cardiologist

Shortage

253313

Clinical Haematologist

Shortage

253314

Medical Oncologist

Shortage

253315

Endocrinologist

Shortage

253316

Gastroenterologist

Shortage

253317

Intensive Care Specialist

Shortage

253318

Neurologist

Shortage

253321

Paediatrician

Shortage

253322

Renal Medicine Specialist

Shortage

253323

Rheumatologist

Shortage

253324

Thoracic Medicine Specialist

Shortage

253399

Specialist Physicians nec

Shortage

253411

Psychiatrist

Shortage

253511

Surgeon (General)

Shortage

253512

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Shortage

253513

Neurosurgeon

Shortage

253514

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Shortage

253515

Otorhinolaryngologist

Shortage

253516

Paediatric Surgeon

Shortage

253517

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Shortage

253518

Urologist

Shortage

253521

Vascular Surgeon

Shortage

253911

Dermatologist

Shortage

253912

Emergency Medicine Specialist

Shortage

253913

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Shortage

253914

Ophthalmologist

Shortage

253915

Pathologist

Shortage

253917

Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist

Shortage

253918

Radiation Oncologist

Shortage

253999

Medical Practitioners nec

Shortage

254111

Midwife

Shortage

254211

Nurse Educator

Shortage

254212

Nurse Researcher

Shortage

254411

Nurse Practitioner

Shortage

254412

Registered Nurse (Aged Care)

Shortage

254413

Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)

Shortage

254414

Registered Nurse (Community Health)

Shortage

254415

Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)

Shortage

254416

Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)

Shortage

254417

Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)

Shortage

254418

Registered Nurse (Medical)

Shortage

254421

Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)

Shortage

254422

Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

Shortage

254423

Registered Nurse (Perioperative)

Shortage

254424

Registered Nurse (Surgical)

Shortage

254425

Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)

Shortage

254499

Registered Nurses nec

Shortage

261112

Systems Analyst

Shortage

261211

Multimedia Specialist

Shortage

261212

Web Developer

Shortage

261311

Analyst Programmer

Shortage

261312

Developer Programmer

Shortage

261313

Software Engineer

Shortage

261314

Software Tester

Shortage

261315

Cyber Security Engineer

Shortage

261316

Devops Engineer

Shortage

261317

Penetration Tester

Shortage

262114

Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist

Shortage

262115

Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist

Shortage

262116

Cyber Security Analyst

Shortage

262117

Cyber Security Architect

Shortage

262118

Cyber Security Operations Coordinator

Shortage

263111

Computer Network and Systems Engineer

Shortage

263112

Network Administrator

Shortage

263113

Network Analyst

Shortage

263211

ICT Quality Assurance Engineer

Shortage

263213

ICT Systems Test Engineer

Shortage

271311

Solicitor

Shortage

272311

Clinical Psychologist

Shortage

272312

Educational Psychologist

Shortage

272313

Organisational Psychologist

Shortage

272399

Psychologists nec

Shortage

272511

Social Worker

Shortage

311112

Agricultural and Agritech Technician

Shortage

311113

Animal Husbandry Technician

Shortage

311114

Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician

Shortage

311115

Irrigation Designer

Shortage

311215

Pharmacy Technician

Shortage

311312

Meat Inspector

Shortage

311412

Earth Science Technician

Shortage

312111

Architectural Draftsperson

Shortage

312113

Building Inspector

Shortage

312114

Construction Estimator

Shortage

312211

Civil Engineering Draftsperson

Shortage

312212

Civil Engineering Technician

Shortage

312511

Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson

Shortage

312512

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Shortage

312912

Metallurgical or Materials Technician

Shortage

312913

Mine Deputy

Shortage

321111

Automotive Electrician

Shortage

321211

Motor Mechanic (General)

Shortage

321212

Diesel Motor Mechanic

Shortage

321213

Motorcycle Mechanic

Shortage

321214

Small Engine Mechanic

Shortage

322112

Electroplater

Shortage

322113

Farrier

Shortage

322114

Metal Casting Trades Worker

Shortage

322211

Sheetmetal Worker

Shortage

322311

Metal Fabricator

Shortage

322312

Pressure Welder

Shortage

322313

Welder (First Class) (Aus) / Welder (NZ)

Shortage

323111

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)

Shortage

323112

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)

Shortage

323113

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)

Shortage

323211

Fitter (General)

Shortage

323212

Fitter and Turner

Shortage

323213

Fitter-Welder

Shortage

323214

Metal Machinist (First Class)

Shortage

323313

Locksmith

Shortage

323411

Engineering Patternmaker

Shortage

323412

Toolmaker

Shortage

324111

Panelbeater

Shortage

324211

Vehicle Body Builder

Shortage

324212

Vehicle Trimmer

Shortage

324311

Vehicle Painter

Shortage

331111

Bricklayer

Shortage

331112

Stonemason

Shortage

331211

Carpenter and Joiner

Shortage

331212

Carpenter

Shortage

331213

Joiner

Shortage

332111

Floor Finisher

Shortage

332211

Painter

Shortage

333111

Glazier

Shortage

333211

Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling)

Shortage

333212

Renderer (Solid Plaster)

Shortage

333311

Roof Tiler

Shortage

333411

Wall and Floor Tiler

Shortage

334112

Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber

Shortage

334113

Drainer

Shortage

334114

Gasfitter

Shortage

334115

Roof Plumber

Shortage

334116

Plumber (General)

Shortage

334117

Fire Protection Plumber

Shortage

341111

Electrician (General)

Shortage

341112

Electrician (Special Class)

Shortage

342111

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

Shortage

342211

Electrical Linesworker / Electrical Line Mechanic

Shortage

342212

Technical Cable Jointer

Shortage

342313

Electronic Equipment Trades Worker

Shortage

342315

Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)

Shortage

342411

Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)

Shortage

342412

Telecommunications Cable Jointer

Shortage

342413

Telecommunications Linesworker / Telecommunications Line Mechanic

Shortage

342414

Telecommunications Technician

Shortage

351111

Baker

Shortage

351112

Pastrycook

Shortage

351211

Butcher or Smallgoods Maker

Shortage

351311

Chef

Shortage

351411

Cook

Shortage

361112

Horse Trainer

Shortage

361311

Veterinary Nurse

Shortage

362411

Nurseryperson

Shortage

362511

Arborist

Shortage

362512

Tree Worker

Shortage

362711

Landscape Gardener

Shortage

362712

Irrigation Technician

Shortage

363214

Senior Piggery Stockperson

Shortage

391111

Hairdresser

Shortage

392111

Print Finisher

Shortage

392112

Screen Printer

Shortage

392211

Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker

Shortage

393311

Upholsterer

Shortage

394112

Cabinet Maker

Shortage

394113

Furniture Maker

Shortage

394211

Furniture Finisher

Shortage

394212

Picture Framer

Shortage

394213

Wood Machinist

Shortage

399111

Boat Builder and Repairer

Shortage

399112

Shipwright

Shortage

399513

Light Technician

Shortage

399516

Sound Technician

Shortage

399914

Optical Mechanic

Shortage

399916

Plastics Technician

Shortage

399918

Fire Protection Equipment Technician

Shortage

399999

Technicians and Trades Workers nec

Shortage

411111

Ambulance Officer

Shortage

411211

Dental Hygienist

Shortage

411212

Dental Prosthetist

Shortage

411213

Dental Technician

Shortage

411214

Dental Therapist

Shortage

411311

Diversional Therapist

Shortage

411411

Enrolled Nurse

Shortage

411715

Residential Care Officer

Shortage

421111

Child Care Worker

Shortage

421114

Out of School Hours Care Worker

Shortage

423111

Aged or Disabled Carer

Shortage

423312

Nursing Support Worker

Shortage

423313

Personal Care Assistant

Shortage

442217

Security Officer

Shortage

451111

Beauty Therapist

Shortage

451412

Tour Guide

Shortage

451612

Travel Consultant

Shortage

451711

Flight Attendant

Shortage

452312

Gymnastics Coach or Instructor

Shortage

452315

Swimming Coach or Instructor

Shortage

511111

Contract Administrator

Shortage

521212

Legal Secretary

Shortage

599111

Conveyancer

Shortage

599612

Insurance Loss Adjuster

Shortage

711211

Industrial Spraypainter

Shortage

711514

Plastics Production Machine Operator (General)

Shortage

711515

Reinforced Plastic and Composite Production Worker

Shortage

711516

Rubber Production Machine Operator

Shortage

712111

Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator

Shortage

712211

Driller

Shortage

712212

Miner

Shortage

712213

Shot Firer

Shortage

712918

Train Controller

Shortage

721211

Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)

Shortage

721213

Bulldozer Operator

Shortage

721214

Excavator Operator

Shortage

721215

Grader Operator

Shortage

721216

Loader Operator

Shortage

721911

Aircraft Baggage Handler and Airline Ground Crew

Shortage

721912

Linemarker

Shortage

721914

Railway Track Plant Operator

Shortage

721915

Road Roller Operator

Shortage

721916

Streetsweeper Operator

Shortage

721999

Mobile Plant Operators nec

Shortage

731211

Bus Driver

Shortage

731311

Train Driver

Shortage

731312

Tram Driver

Shortage

733111

Truck Driver (General)

Shortage

821412

Home Improvement Installer

Shortage

821611

Railway Track Worker

Shortage

821711

Construction Rigger

Shortage

821712

Scaffolder

Shortage

821713

Steel Fixer

Shortage

821714

Structural Steel Erector

Shortage

821911

Crane Chaser

Shortage

831211

Meat Boner and Slicer

Shortage

831212

Slaughterer

Shortage

842211

Cotton Farm Worker

Shortage

842217

Sugar Cane Farm Worker

Shortage

842314

Livestock Husbandry Worker

Shortage

842315

Piggery Farm Worker

Shortage

899411

Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General)

Shortage

142111

Retail Manager (General)

Regional Shortage

224912

Liaison Officer

Regional Shortage

232611

Urban and Regional Planner

Regional Shortage

234313

Environmental Research Scientist

Regional Shortage

251311

Environmental Health Officer

Regional Shortage

431511

Waiter

Regional Shortage

721111

Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator

Regional Shortage

721112

Logging Plant Operator

Regional Shortage

 

 

Filed under
News
Date published
Date modified
11/10/2023