New Skills Priority List unsurprising given ongoing skills shortage pressures

According to Master Builders Australia, it is unsurprising that the Skills Priority List, published today, has doubled in 12 months, leading to around a third of all Australian occupations facing critical shortages.

“We identified in late 2021 that the pressure of material shortages in the building and construction industry was being taken over by skill shortages, with the pressure steadily increasing throughout 2022”, said Denita Wawn, Master Builders Australia CEO.

“Skill shortages result in delays in building activity which impacts capacity to occupy new homes, schools, and offices or use new roads and railways. It also puts a massive handbrake on economic activity.

“Master Builders has been calling on the Federal Government to not only speed up skilled migration pathways but also expand the skills list and provide greater flexibility. The new Skills Priority List reinforces our calls. We acknowledge that the Federal Government is working on migration solutions.

“Skill shortages can also be resolved through greater completion of apprenticeships. The industry has appreciated ongoing government support to encourage more people into trade apprenticeships, but we now need an equal focus on completion rates. The average current completion rate for trade apprentices, of just over 50 per cent, is not acceptable given the environment”, said Mrs Wawn.

Building and construction roles added to the list in 2022 include:

• Building Inspector
• Construction Estimator
• Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
• Rigger
• Scaffolder
• Steel Fixer

Building and construction roles that continue to be on the list include:

• Construction Project Manager
• Surveyor
• Engineer
• Bricklayer
• Stonemason
• Carpenter & Joiners
• Painting Trade Worker
• Tilers (Roof, Wall, Floor)
• Plumber
• Electrician