skilled occupations list 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Skilled Occupations List 2015
Submission from SkillsDMC
24/11/2014
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 2 of 15
Introduction SkillsDMC is providing input on the occupations represented under the Resources and Infrastructure Industry
and some other occupations represented under other sectors closely related to Resources and Infrastructure
sector. The information has been gathered through desktop research and aims to address the following the
issues:
Demand and supply imbalance, both nationally and regionally
Medium-to-long term demand and supply trends which may impact upon Australia’s employment
outlook
Formal licensing or registration requirements
1. What are the industry/industries and ANZSCO occupation/s that you or your organisation represents for
the purposes of this submission?
Industry/industries:
ANZSCO code
(four-to-six digit)
Occupation/s
Civil Infrastructure 133111 Construction Project Manager
Resources 133513 Production Manager (Mining), Mine Manager, Mine
Superintendent, Quarry Manager
Civil Infrastructure 233211 Civil Engineer, Infrastructure Engineers
Civil Infrastructure 233214 Structural Engineer
Civil Infrastructure 233215 Environmental Engineer
Resources 234411 Geologist
Resources 234412 Geophysicist
Civil Infrastructure 312114 Construction Estimator
Civil Infrastructure 312211 Civil Engineering Draftsperson, Civil Engineering Design
Draftsperson, Structural Engineering Drafting Officer
Civil Infrastructure 312212 Civil Engineering Technician, Civil Engineering Assistant, Civil
Laboratory Technician, Geotechnical Laboratory Technician
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
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Resources 312913 Mine Deputy "Statutory officials Underground Mine
Managers Mine Deputies", Mining Technician, Open Cut
Examiner
Resources and
Infrastructure
323211 Diesel Fitter-Mechanic
Resources and
Infrastructure
330000 Construction Trades Workers Supervisors / Team Leaders /
Line Manager / Foreman
Civil Infrastructure 399999 Technical and Trades Workers NEC Pipe Layer, Bridge
Constructor, Road Construction and Maintenance
Resources (Drilling) 712200 Drillers, Miners and Shotfirers
Drilling 712211 Driller
Resources and
Infrastructure
712212 Plant Operator, Undergound Miner (Coal), Underground
Miner (Metalliferous)
Civil Infrastructure 712999 Bitumen Plant Operator
Civil Infrastructure 721211 Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
Civil Infrastructure 721212 Backhoe Operator
Civil Infrastructure 721213 Bulldozer Operator, Scraper Operator (Earthmoving),
Civil Infrastructure 721214 Excavator Operator, Hydraulic Rockbreaker Operator, Trench
Digging Machine Operator
Civil Infrastructure 721215 Grader Operator
Civil Infrastructure 721216 Loader Operator, Bobcat Operator, Front-end Loader
Operator
Civil Infrastructure 721999 Mobile Plant Operators NEC Plant Operators
Civil Infrastructure 721311 Forklift Driver
Civil Infrastructure 721912 Linemarker, Road Marker
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 4 of 15
Civil Infrastructure 721913 Paving Plant Operator
Civil Infrastructure 721915 Road Roller Operator
Resources and
Infrastructure
733111 Truck Driver (General)
Civil Infrastructure 733114 Water Tanker Driver
Civil Infrastructure 821111 Construction Worker
Civil Infrastructure 821112 Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer
Civil Infrastructure 821113 Earthmoving Labourer
Civil Infrastructure 821211 Concrete Worker
Mining 821914 Mining Support Worker
As noted in previous submissions ANZSCO is not a good guide to the skills needs of the civil construction
industry. Attention is drawn to the work of SkillsDMC in collaboration with the Civil Contractors Federation
(CCF), which developed and released the Civil Construction Occupation Review Report in 2010. The
inadequacies of the current Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) in the
area of Civil Infrastructure will need to be addressed.
Given this, there are specific emerging areas of operation inadequately serviced by the current Australian and
New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations such as:
Remote operation of plant and equipment;
Developments in resource processing techniques; and
Developments in processes and technology in the field of Trenchless Technology and Drilling
It is noted that CCF in consultation with SkillsDMC is preparing a submission to increase the number of ANZSCO
occupation references relevant to the Civil Construction Industry to address this shortfall.
2. Are there any occupations that you represent where there is evidence of imbalances in the demand for
and supply of skills in the medium-to-long term?
The Department of Employment conducts research to identify skills shortages in Australia. The department issues a six monthly publication through which it provides national labour market ratings for a list of occupations. The occupations are assessed through contact with more than 5,100 employers and recruitment agents. The list combines results for research undertaken at the national and the state and territory level to provide information about shortages which are widespread enough to be considered national. The 2013-2014
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 5 of 15
skills shortages list includes the following occupations relevant for the wider Construction, Resources and Infrastructure sector. Please note that a rating of “No Shortage” suggests that employers generally recruit without difficulty, however, shortages maybe evident in specific locations and some employers may not attract workers who meet their needs. Hence some of the occupations issued a rating of “No Shortage” nationally maybe experiencing regional shortage of skills. For example, the Department of Employment research issued a national rating “No Shortage” for construction project managers, however the research conducted by Construction Skills Queensland, Future Workforce Analysis (March 2013) and the Queensland Resources Council Growth Outlook Study states that net demand for this occupation will exist till 2020.
Occupation Rating* Number of Years in shortage, 5
years to 2013-2014
Construction Project Manager No Shortage 1
Architect No Shortage 0
Surveyor Shortage 4
Urban and Regional Planner No Shortage 0
Architectural Draftsperson No Shortage 0
Building Associate No Shortage 0
Construction Estimator Shortage 3
Civil Engineering Professionals (excluding Quantity Surveyor) No Shortage 3
Mining Engineer No Shortage 4
Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians No Shortage 3
Metal Fabricator No Shortage 1
Welder (First Class) No Shortage 0
Sheetmetal Trades Worker Shortage 5
Fitters No Shortage 1
Metal Machinist (First Class) No Shortage 3
Source: Department of Employment, Skills Shortages Publication, June 2014 *Definition of rating given on page 13
Based on Construction Skills Queensland’s 2013 Future Workforce Analysis (March 2013) and the Queensland
Resources Council Growth Outlook Study: Net demand for the Civil Infrastructure sector out to 2020 will exist
for:
Construction project manager
Concreter
Truck driver (general)
Plant operator
Pipelayers
Project Supervisors
The Queensland Government has identified Civil Construction qualifications as ‘Priority One’ under User
Choice funding which indicates that it has identified Civil Construction as a current skills shortage area.
Construction Skills Queensland has identified a long term need for plant operators in its 2013 Future
Workforce Analysis. Notably though, the report only covers those occupations that are traditional trades
(apprenticeships) and many civil construction careers are not recognised as such. (N.B. Plant Operator is a
recognised apprenticeship in Queensland)
The Western Australia Government includes the following occupations on the State Priority Occupation List
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 6 of 15
indicating the jobs that are in high demand or considered industry-critical in Western Australia.
Production manager (mining) Civil engineer
Civil engineering draftsperson
Civil engineering technician
Diesel motor mechanic
Construction project manager
Environmental engineer
Environmental health officer
Construction estimator
Concreter
Truck driver (general)
Mine deputy
Metallurgical or materials technician
Quantity surveyor
Mining engineer (excluding petroleum)
Metal machinist (first class)
Sheetmetal trades worker
Welder
Panelbeater
Skilled and qualified personnel from the Extractive (Quarrying) sector are continually being attracted to other
resource Industry sectors which indicate that this sector provides a training ground for the Mining sector in
particular. This appears to occur with the Civil Infrastructure sector but more so during periods of high
demand in the Mining sector.
The outcome for the Extractive sector in particular is an ongoing demand for the supply of skills.
Within the Mining sector, by 2018, the occupational mix is expected to shift in favour of those who are in
greater demand during the operational phase of resources projects, with a decline in those needed with
construction-related skills, for example:
Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers
Metal Fitters and Machinists
Production Managers
Mining Engineers
Geologists and Geophysicists
According to Resources Sector Skills Needs Report 2013 (draft), Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency,
the Top Ten Employing Occupations (in the Resources Sector) between 2013 and 2018 are:
Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers
Metal Fitters and Machinists
Other Building and Engineering Technicians
Truck Drivers
Production Managers
Electricians
Geologists and Geophysicists
Mining Engineers
Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers
Earthmoving Plant Operators
The SkillsDMC Environment Scan 2015 (Draft) provides skills forecast modelling on projected workforce gap
through 2015-2024 and states the following results.
“Research on skills shortages produced by the Department of Employment found there are currently no acute
shortages in either the Mining or the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sectors. The demand drivers for
both these industries are expected to have a negative effect on occupational demand, which is forecast to
decline for at least the next five years. In the case of Heavy and Civil Infrastructure, 2017/18 is expected to be
the start of the next upturn in labour demand, while the Mining Industry is expected to lift its skills needs from
2019/20.
By the end of the decade to 2023/24, the modelling identifies several occupations where training providers will
need to equip new entrants with the requisite skills to meet the growing needs of the Mining Industry. Critical
shortfalls are projected for the Drillers, Miners and Shotfirers, Metal Fitters and Machinists, Other Building and
Engineering Technicians and Truck Drivers.
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 7 of 15
Meanwhile, demand for occupations within the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction is expected to weaken
significantly and result in a surplus of skilled workers for much of the next decade. With the increase in
Construction on urban major transport projects, worker shortages are expected in the Metal Fitters and
Machinists, Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers, Earthmoving Plant Operators and Truck Drivers.”
Total Mining: Projected Workforce Gaps
(Source SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015, Draft)
2,003
3,035
4,503
6,059
5,809
8,632
9,839
12,865
14,782
15,829
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
1,011
1,368
2,040
2,793
2,706
4,068
4,643
6,100
7,040
7,549
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers Metal Fitters and Machinists
611
472
398
411
372
1,002
1,220
1,888
2,246
2,565
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
567
392
329
355
345
961
1,205
1,862
2,240
2,586
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Truck Drivers Other Building and Engineering Technicians
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 8 of 15
Electricians Production Managers
271
342
510
706
643
1,028
1,172
1,591
1,846
1,973
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
295
228
192
198
180
484
589
911
1,084
1,238
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Earthmoving Plant Operators Structural Steel and Welding Trades
Other Construction and Mining Labour Other Stationary Plant Operators
267
183
131
120
85
365
451
750
904
1,040
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
245
146
100
95
75
346
444
735
897
1,045
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
124
74
36
18
-18
134
181
345
431
507
2015
2016
2017
2018
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
156
115
92
91
78
239
293
465
555
63
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2019
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 9 of 15
Heavy Civil and Engineering Construction: Projected Workforce Gaps
(Source: SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015, Draft)
-1,067
-1,394
-1,436
-1,382
-686
-465
-145
-9
171
430
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
-483
-620
-600
-536
-197
-88
64
139
233
362
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Earthmoving Plant Operators Paving and Surfacing Labourers
Truck Drivers Building and Plumbing Labourers
-502
-647
-655
-617
-161
-42
125
200
297
425
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
-461
-592
-573
-512
-188
-84
61
133
222
346
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
Construction Managers
-413
-533
-542
-513
-230
-136
-2
58
135
238
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
-341
-440
-445
-419
-183
-103
9
61
126
212
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 10 of 15
3. Is there evidence of imbalances in the demand for and supply of skills in the medium-to-long term in non-metropolitan areas? If so, can you indicate in what part of Australia and the number in the occupation in over- or under-supply
Most Resources Industry construction and operations tasks currently take place in regional areas. As such,
demand will be focused heavily around on-site occupations (professional occupations such as mining
engineers, trades and technicians and operators).
This demand may be ameliorated somewhat across some occupations by the trend towards remote and
autonomous operations, with work previously done by on-site labour being organised remotely from control
centres in metropolitan areas.
Skills shortages will be particularly acute in the Northern Territory because of the size of projects in relation to
the size of resident population.
Below is a list of specific skills shortage areas noted in QLD and NSW. Specific shortages of first class welders
are noted in regional NSW. QLD occupations are on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL).
Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers
Metal Fitters and Machinists
-302
-380
-357
-306
196
278
389
447
518
608
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
-298
-373
-347
-292
212
297
412
472
546
636
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Other Miscellaneous LabourersElectricians
-260
-331
-316
-276
-86
-23
64
109
164
235
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
-225
-289
-280
-250
-92
-41
30
65
108
169
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 11 of 15
Mechanical Engineering (NSW) – Recruitment difficulty
Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians (NSW) – Shortage
Metal Fabricator (NSW) – Shortage
Welder (First Class) (NSW, QLD) – Shortage in Regional Areas
Fitters (NSW, QLD) – Shortage
Mine Surveyor (NSW) - Shortage
Metal Machinist (First Class) (NSW) – Shortage
Electrician (General) (NSW, QLD) – Shortage
Production Manager (Mining) (National) – Shortage
Chemical Engineer (National) – Recruitment difficulty
Mining Engineer (National) – Shortage
Geologist (National) – Shortage
Geophysicist (National) – Shortage
Mine Deputy (National) – Shortage
Environmental Manager (QLD)
Surveyor (QLD)
Geotechnical Engineer (QLD)
Quantity Surveyor (QLD)
Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (QLD)
Mechanical Engineer (QLD)
Environmental Consultant (QLD)
Metallurgist (QLD)
Electrical Engineering Technician (QLD)
Pressure Welder (QLD)
Driller (QLD)
Draftsperson (Electrical/Mechanical Engineering) (QLD)
Metallurgical or Materials Technician (QLD)
Electronic Equipment Trades Worker (QLD) The Civil Infrastructure Industry is characterised by project-based tasks and is highly mobile. Projects are dependent on a shorter decision-making time horizon in both the public and private sectors than the medium to long-term identified above with often only weeks to mobilise from contract acceptance. Generally skills shortages are exacerbated with the distance from metropolitan centres.
The following ratings have been issued by the Department of Employment for skills shortages across states
and territories in Australia for technicians and trade workers.
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 12 of 15
Technicians and Trades Workers NSW QLD WA SA VIC NT ACT TAS
Automotive Electrician R R S S S
Motor Mechanic (General) R S D S S S
Diesel Mechanic S S
Sheetmetal Trades Worker S R S S S
Welder (First Class) R R D S S D
Surveyor S R D S
Construction Estimator S S S S S S S S
Panelbeater S S S S S S S S
Motorcycle Mechanic S R S
Metal Machinist (First Class) M S S D
Vehicle Painter S S S S
Bricklayer S R S
Painting Trades Worker S R S
Wall and Floor Tiler S R S
Electrician (General) R;M-D M
Metal Fabricator D S D
Carpenters and Joiners S S
Fibrous Plasterer S
Plumbers S D D
Fitter D D
Source: Skills Shortages List, Department of Employment
S: State-wide shortage
M: Shortage in metropolitan areas
R: Shortage in regional areas
D: Recruitment difficulty
R-D: Recruitment difficulty in regional areas
M-D: Recruitment difficulty in metropolitan areas
Definition of ratings:
Shortage: Skill shortages exist when employers are unable to fill or have considerable difficulty filling vacancies,
or significant specialised skill needs within that occupation, at current levels of remuneration and conditions of
employment, and in reasonably accessible locations.
Recruitment difficulty: Recruitment difficulties occur when some employers have difficulty filling vacancies for
an occupation. There may be an adequate supply of skilled workers but some employers are unable to attract
and recruit sufficient suitable workers for reasons which include: specific experience or specialist skill
requirements of the vacancy; differences in hours of work required by the employer and those sought by
applicants; or transport issues. No Shortage: Research has not identified widespread significant difficulty filling vacancies. This does not mean individual employers in some locations or those seeking specialised skills will readily fill their vacancies
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 13 of 15
4. Are there any occupations which require formal licensing or registration arrangements in order to
practice/perform in this occupation?
For example:
Midwives are required to register with the nurses board in their state or territory
Panelbeaters are required to be registered or certified with the state Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority
In Queensland professional engineers engaged in a professional engineering service must be registered under
the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (QLD), unless they work under the direct supervision of an RPEQ
(https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/nerb/registration-rpeq) In some States and Territories some civil
activities require registration as a builder (retaining walls, pump station structures etc)
There are some occupations that have State specific registration requirements such as Mine Managers, Mine
Deputies, Mine Surveyors, Ventilation Officers, Quarry Managers. Not all States have these requirements.
Some electrical trade occupations also require registration.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations apply for certain types of work and facilities which require licensing.
The Commonwealth, state and territory work health and safety regulators issue licences in their jurisdiction.
5. Is it expected that your employment sector will be impacted by any medium-to-long term trends which
will impact upon demand and/or supply (excluding costs associated with training, labour hire, and
international sponsorship)? For example:
New benchmarks for childcare centres mandate increased staff-to-child ratios and higher qualification standards for childcare workers.
The following trends have been identified for the resources sector:
Shift from construction to operational mining towards end of decade (Draft Resources Skills Sector Needs Report 2014, AWPA)
In 2013/14, Mining investment reached $93.1 billion, with the Oil and Gas sector contributing $65 billion, due to projects ramping up across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. These projects are significant in terms of their contribution to the total Mining Industry that almost 90% of growth in Mining investment over the past five years has come from the Oil and Gas sector. As these projects approach and reach completion over the next few years, total investment will steadily fall from its current peak without projects of a similar size replacing these in the construction pipeline (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
Overall, Mining investment is forecast to fall by an average of 10% per annum over the next four years to a trough of $55.1 billion by 2017/18. The majority of these declines will be felt by the Oil and Gas sector, while the Coal and Iron Ore sectors are also expected to continue to fall over the next few years. However, offsetting some of the impact of falling investment will be rising output as projects currently under construction progress to production. Mining output in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) is forecast to increase by 34% over the next five years to $220 billion (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
The contrasting outlooks for investment and production will have opposing effects on Mining employment. It is generally accepted that the Mining sector employs more workers during the construction phase than the production phase. This will have a negative effect on total employment as the Industry undertakes the aforementioned transition toward production. The forthcoming decline in Construction activity should see Mining Construction employment
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
November 2014, Page 14 of 15
fall by 45% over the next five years. Overall, Mining employment is expected to fall by around 22 per cent over the next five years (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
Growing trend towards remote and autonomous operations (technological interventions), with work previously done by labour force on site being organised remotely from control centres in metropolitan areas. (http://www.csrm.uq.edu.au/publications/435-exploring-the-social-dimensions-of-autonomous-and-remote-operation-mining-applying-social-license-in-design)
Long and short term trends in demand and resultant prices for mined commodities. The mining industry will continue to be affected by the fundamental principles of economics – commodity prices and value of Australian dollar (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
The search for alternatives to cement and the importation of cement ingredients are reducing the size of the Extractive Industry in Australia
Skilled labour needs in the Extractive sector are closely related to the activity levels in the Mining sector (high need in the Mining sector translates to high need in the Extractive sector)
The Resources and Infrastructure Industry workforce is ageing with significant levels of retirements over the coming decade. The Industry needs to prepare for the looming loss of skills and experience to avoid acute shortages later this decade. This skills gap may be exacerbated by expected weaker employment conditions in the short term and could lead to current workers permanently exiting the Industry (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
The following trends have been identified for the Infrastructure sector:
Investment in the Sector peaked in 2012/13, at around $69 billion, and declined by 7.4% to $63.9 billion in 2013/14. As a gap between major projects emerged in both the public and private sectors roads investment dropped by 13 per cent. Rail and harbours saw lower activity as both publicly-funded projects and Mining-related construction decreased (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
A second, slightly larger decline in Civil Infrastructure investment in 2014/15 is anticipated
The Federal and State level Governments remain in cost-cutting mode, however Population, economic, and trade growth are pushing infrastructure demand, particularly in the transport and utilities sub-sectors, with both Federal and State Governments consequently committing to expanding infrastructure development from mid-decade (as well as over the longer term) (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
Given the lead time for workforce skilling it is appropriate that skills plans be prepared in the lead up to increased activity in the middle of the decade (SkillsDMC Environmental Scan 2015 Draft)
Skilled Occupation List, 24th
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