Skills in demand
Substation Trades and Labour – Substations require candidates to have induction passes, which are very difficult and expensive to get thus there is a shortage of candidates. Also whilst the construction industry in general has slowed, the energy sector has not and as a result substation construction has not.
Bitumen Spray Operators – With an increase in large Civil Roads Projects, and the high rates in which these operators can fetch in remote regions, these candidates are in demand.
Commercial Construction Electricians – There is an excess of industrial electricians in parts of Australia, including the NSW Illawarra are, and demand for experienced commercial and high rise electricians.
Heavy Diesel Mechanics – Having lost a lot of candidates to FIFO Mining, employers are looking for experienced Diesel Fitters in a currently candidate short market.
Storepersons – There is a lack of candidates in this field due to often low remuneration offered for this role compared to the cost of living.
Refrigeration Technicians / Mechanics – This is a seasonal trend bought on by the hot weather, in WA for example, for both installation and maintenance positions.
Sheet Metal Workers – This is a skill that is utilised heavily in the mining / oil and gas industries and hence creates a ‘skill gap’ for projects based in the metro areas.
Civil Drainers (WA-based) – There is an increasing amount of civil work in the Perth area as the city attempts to improve infrastructure in line with it’s growing population and development projects. The requirement for experienced and skilled Drainers is almost constant, working on projects based in the Perth metro area.