The Australian labour market is showing strong resilience, according to the latest Labour Market Update report released by Jobs and Skills Australia. The report found a significant increase in full-time employment and improved conditions for long-term unemployed and underemployed individuals. However, despite these positive trends, skill shortages persist in several sectors, posing a significant economic challenge. The report indicates that addressing this gap is critical to ensuring long-term growth.
The report covers the final quarter of 2022 and highlights an increase in the supply of workers and a slight easing of recruitment difficulties. However, shortages in skilled labour remain, particularly in industries such as engineering and medicine. The report reveals that 60% of total employment growth has been in occupations requiring VET qualifications, while 36% has been in roles requiring university qualifications.
Despite the overall positive outlook, the report lists the top 20 occupations in shortage nationally and for each state and territory. These include registered nurses, software and applications programmers, aged and disabled carers, child carers, construction managers, and motor mechanics. The report also highlights that some of these skill shortages are due to a lack of people with the necessary technical skills, emphasising the need for increased investment in training.
The report underscores the crucial role of the domestic skills system in addressing the skills gap and responding to the economic challenge. While there is still work to be done, the report provides insights and data to support efforts toward a more robust and inclusive labour market. Visit jobsandskills.gov.au/reports for more information.
JSA is offering a webinar on the report and a general update on 6 March 2023, at 2 p.m. to provide more information and insights. To register or learn more, visit Webinar: Jobs and Skills Australia update | Jobs and Skills Australia.
