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:
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
|