The Recruiter Daily posted an article on the 15th July 2010 outlining the current skills shortage within the Australia job market, specifically within the manufacturing and construction sectors. According to a report from the Australian Industry Group, over half of the vacancies listed in the first half of 2010 remain unfilled. These positions included metal fitters, machinists and engineers.

The hardest to fill vacancies included:
– Metal fitters and machinists (60% unfilled)
– Engineering professionals (52% unfilled)
– Metal casting, forging and finished trades persons (37%)
– Structural steel and welding trades (33%)

When a vacancy could not be filled in these areas, 38% of employers chose to up skill existing staff; 31% chose to outsource or sub-contract the work; and 18% redesigned jobs around available skills.

Cheers,

Annie Cerone