Nurse, accountant, mechanic, manager vacancies hard to fill
SKILL SHORTAGES
Finding certain professionals and skilled tradespeople to fill vacancies is proving difficult for employers in Douglas.
Hospitality is not the only sector where some positions aren’t being taken up – there’s a high demand for mechanics, electrical tradespeople and nurses.
In hospitality and tourism, skilled workers such as chefs, managers and accountants are much sought after.
Tamilyn Brennan, the region’s employment facilitator for the Workforce Australia network says pressures with accommodation and competition from other regions experiencing similar skill shortages are factors behind the vacancy filling problems.
“It’s great for those skilled workers who are in the region because they can pretty much take their pick of jobs at the moment,” Ms Brennan said.
“There’s a high demand for good motor mechanics at the moment, and particularly for diesel mechanics.
“So if there’s anyone with those skills, even if they’re not qualified, I’d encourage them to come forward where there are jobs advertised and see whether the employers are willing to work with them to get qualifications.”
Skill shortages
Unemployment in Douglas is low according to December’s figure – at 4.2 per cent – and registered job seekers number about 550.
“Approximately 200 jobs are advertised in the region at present and while simple maths would tell us there should be people to fill these jobs, many are specialist and qualified roles which don’t match the skills and experience of those looking for jobs.”
Hospitality has pressing demands for certain staff. “Again, skilled workers: hospitality outlet managers, chefs, accountants for tourism operators, these are the ones in the region we’re finding hard to fill.
“Administrative roles including reception for professionals also rate highly and there are always jobs in health, personal care and agriculture.”
Ms Brennan said sometimes job seekers might not realise what sort of work they can do, and should check out the useful functions on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ website.
“You can go in and list what your skills are and it will come up with a range, a selection of different types of jobs and occupations that you might be able to look at.
The link for the site is here:
https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-and-training/support-get-you-jobready
Working away
She said tradespeople attracted to high pay packets at mines should also think longer term about when they return.
“There’s the big shiny, bright extra dollars at the mines, but there are lots of things to consider that might mean it’s more attractive to stay put – perhaps take a slightly lesser wage but have conditions that are generally more suited to being around family and friends and continuing to develop your skills and experience.
Regional jobs many and diverse
Across the broader far north and there are many jobs and a diverse range of vacancies in demand in the five local government areas including Douglas.
Jobs in the broader region which have grown by over 50 per cent in the last five years and continue to grow:
- Metal trades workers (including welders and machinists), grown by over 100% and increasingly in demand;
- Accommodation managers, increased in growth and need by 81%;
- Chefs and nurses are next at 72% growth and continuing strongly;
- Occupational and Physiotherapists 65%, followed by painters at 64%.
- Mechanical engineers, pharmacy assistants and fast food cooks are all included in those occupations which have experienced over 50% growth in our region.
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