“The latest release of the National Skills Commission’s (NSC) annual skills priority list confirms that skill shortages are acute and prevalent across the economy. The list reflects the skilling and recruitment challenges that employers are experiencing on a daily basis,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.
“Today’s list identifies that 286 occupations (31%) are now in shortage, up from 153 occupations (19%) at the same time in 2021. This substantial increase in a relative short period of time is a major cause for concern and highlights the great challenges being experienced across the country.
“Of specific concern, 47 per cent of all trade and technician occupations are in shortage, up from 42 percent at the same time last year. The ongoing shortage of trade and technician workers has bedevilled companies’ capacity to undertake or complete a range of projects as well as business as usual activities.
“The expansion of trade and technician occupations on the priority list will facilitate increased access to apprentice incentives. This is welcome, but only a small step towards the much-needed overhaul of the apprentice incentive system.
“The list is also a reminder of the importance of the migration program to filling immediate skills gaps. Programs such as the 482 temporary skill visa are of growing importance to businesses as they struggle to find workers locally. While the NSC data are separate from the Department of Home Affairs priority Skilled Occupations list it should provide important input as that list is updated,” Mr Willox said.
The NSC skills publication is available here
