The latest Skills Priority List (SPL) released by Jobs and Skills Australia shows that 36% of occupations assessed are in shortage.
Technicians and Trade Workers, and Professional occupations (health, engineering, information communication technology (ICT) and science roles) have the highest shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas.
Released annually, this online tool provides a current assessment of the Australian labour market, including a detailed view of occupations in shortage and the anticipated future demand for occupations.
The increases over the last 3 years are being driven by the continued tightness in labour market conditions. While underlying drivers of shortages can vary across occupations, it is anticipated that these shortages reflect either a lack of people who have the essential technical skills or other (non-technical) qualities that employers consider are important; or those with the right technical skills and other qualities who aren’t willing to apply for the vacancies under current pay and working conditions.
Occupations with a strong gender imbalance were also more likely to be in shortage. The impacts were seen particularly in male-dominated trade-based occupations like Metal Fitters and Machinists (2% female workforce), Motor Mechanics (3% female workforce) and Electricians (2% female workforce). In contrast national shortages in female-dominated workforces include like Early Childhood Teachers (3% male workforce), Child Carers (3% male workforce), and Registered Nurses (13% male workforce).
In response to the challenges employers are facing finding workers with the right skills and experience, a range of strategies are being implemented, like restructuring their organisations, using migration programs and continuing to advertise vacant positions to attract more applicants.
The SPL will be open for consultation via a survey on our website and will be open between November 2023 and January 2024. Further communication will be provided.
Read the SPL Key Findings Report and explore the SPL online tool and discover more insights from this year’s release.
If you have any questions or feedback, please email: SkillsPriorityList@jobsandskills.gov.au
