CANBERRA, Oct 6 (NNN-AAP) – The number of occupations facing skills shortages in Australia almost doubled in the past year, according to a government report.
The National Skills Commission (NSC), today released its annual update of the Skills Priority List, revealing 286 occupations are struggling to fill vacant jobs in 2022, up from 153 in 2021.
Registered nurses, software engineers, care workers, construction managers, childcare workers and mechanics are the most in-demand employees.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said, the government was committed to “giving people on-the-job work experience” by funding more apprenticeships and traineeships.
Of Australia’s 20 biggest employing occupations, more than half are facing skills shortages.
Brendan O’Connor, minister for skills and training, will tomorrow, meet with state and territory officials to address the crisis.
“This is a staggering increase, highlighting the urgent need to respond to the biggest skills and labour shortages in decades, which is compounding economic challenges,” he said.
“By investing in skills, we can capitalise on the demonstrable connection between a trained and skilled workforce and a more productive economy,” he said.
The federal government, in Sept, increased Australia’s permanent skilled migrant intake for the current financial year from 160,000 to 195,000, in a bid to address the skills shortages.– NNN-AAP
