Western Australia may be facing a skills shortage by 2023 due to an unprecedented labour skills shortage. A recent report conducted by the Resources Sector Workforce found the resources sector’s skills shortage could reach 33,000 people by the 2023 September quarter.
The shortage is due to the recent construction boom requiring operations workforces, new projects in the pipeline that have been approved and a consistent demand for shutdown resources.
External competition from the Eastern States and internal competition amongst WA projects were also contributing factors.
Recent government grants and incentives as mentioned here – are working towards bridging the skills demand gap and tackling Eastern States competition.
The report indicated that the higher the skill level, the bigger the impact to the labour market.
“Technicians and trades workers will be hardest hit in regard to shortages. The high skill level required for some trades will continue to be problematic. Machinery operators and drivers will likewise be challenged on the sheer numbers required. Training is however shorter than for trades.”