No relief in sight for businesses facing shortage of Engineers, Builders and Trades

The critical skills shortage for engineers, building professionals and tradespeople continues to haunt Australian business, with these roles dominating the Top Ten list of the yearís most wanted workers, according to a survey of recruiters.

The RCSA (Recruitment and Consulting Associationís) 2006 Skills Shortage Index found that ënon-building professional engineersí remain at the top of the list for the second year in a row.

The survey of Australian recruitment companies looked at the roles recruiters had the most trouble filling in 2006. With the exception of business professionals at No. 4, trades, engineering and building roles dominated the top ten list.

According to Julie Mills, CEO of the RCSA, these are sobering results for Australian business.

ìWeíve seen the same types of roles fill the skills shortage list over the past few years, and they point to a long term trend. There will be no quick fix for the businesses that need builders, tradespeople and engineers, and itís not just those who employ them, but those who buy their services as well,î Ms Mills said.

Coping with the skills shortage means businesses will need to think outside the square when it comes to recruitment, Ms Mills says.

ìBeing flexible about your expectations, creating a workplace that accommodates everyone, and going beyond financial rewards are just some of the ways in which you can attract and retain the people you need,î she said.

Accessing the untapped workforce is crucial in this context, and Ms Mills advises businesses to get help if unsure how to do it effectively.

ìLook beyond the obvious candidates: young graduates struggling to get onto the employment ladder; parents returning to work but looking for flexible hours; mature workers who need re-skilling but have life experience and a strong work ethic.

ìIf you try to tick every box for the right number of yearsí experience and a specific industry background, you will struggle. The key to making it work is to look for candidates who display the right attitude and competencies, and then provide the training and development they need,î Ms Mills said.

Top Twenty Skills Shortage by Occupation

1. Non-building professional engineers
2. Non-building engineering associates and technicians
3. Electrical trades (building)
4. Business professionals
5. Building professionals
6. Building associates and technicians
7. Non-building electrical/electronic trades
8. Carpenters and joiners
9. Metal trades
10. Plumbers
11. Health professionals
12. Nurses
13. Bricklayers
14. Roofers
15. Receptionists and telephonists
16. Wall tilers
17. Vehicle trades
18. Medical technicians
19. Other clerks
20. Mobile plant operators