Australia’s Mining Industry Needs 87,000 New Workers

July 28 2008 by Tabitha Holland

Australia as a country has been experiencing widespread skills shortages across its labour sectors. However, recent news of the areas mining industry requiring a staggering 87,000 new workers brings alarming reality to the situation.

A recent report commissioned by the Minerals Council of Australia further highlights the looming labour shortages. Although Australia is being seen as an increasingly popular destination with those people whom wish to live and migrate to Australia, it seems that the shortages are showing no sign of slowing any time soon.

The large figure of 87,000 new workers is thought to represent a 68 per cent increase on the current workforce in the sector. Australia faces the challenge of attracting, training and retaining workers in occupations that are in decline in the economy.

The report in detail showed that Western Australia in particular will require the largest increase, projected at 48,000 people -- or an 86 per cent increase in demand.

The most rapid increase in labour demand will be in South Australia, with a 100 per cent rise. The biggest increase in the demand for labour in absolute terms by occupational category is projected to be in the trades and semi-skilled worker categories. The study says these two categories represent a total of 61,000 people.

The Australian government has seen its temporary skilled migration programme deemed successful as greater numbers of people have successfully applied for the visa to take up work placements in key industries areas which are suffering.

This aside it seems that the labour market for minerals sector trades people is a lot tighter, which the majority of jobs being located in smaller more remote towns. This is unlike the big city jobs which many overseas potential workers are currently seeking as part of their fresh start.

The Minerals Council welcomed federal government initiatives to increase skills training and streamline temporary visa applications for skilled migrants. Aside from looking to overseas talent in order to fill the vacant positions the study suggested that more was needed to expand and reform the vocational education and training system.

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