How can you overcome the labour skill shortage in Victoria?

Have you noticed a skill shortage in your industry? Maybe you are seeing greater staff turnover, or maybe there just is not enough quality candidates that can help you grow your business and meet demand.

Well, in Melbourne there are several skill shortages in industrial positions, and if you are not hiring top quality candidates, you may be facing some major internal problems.

Victoria has a skill shortage in trades

A skill shortage occurs when there is not enough qualified or capable individuals to meet demand for certain competencies.

Currently, Victoria has a statewide shortage in several automotive and engineering trades and construction workers, as well as recruitment difficulty for plumbers. The latest information from the Department of Employment shows that mechanics, machinists, panelbeaters, bricklayers, joiners, painters and plasterers are all in high demand, but there isn't enough skilled workers to full these positions.

Tertiary degrees are idealised but not opening many doors

While the nation tries to foster a 'smarter' economy by making it easier to get into university, construction trade internship numbers have been diminishing.

There is a perception that only a degree will garner a successful career here, as with many other developed countries. However, 2014 statistics on graduate destinations in Australia found that around one-third of passing graduates were still seeking full-time employment four months after receiving their higher education qualification.

The standard "road to success" through tertiary education is increasingly shrouded in mystery, as many graduates struggle to begin a career and pay off their student loans.

Trades are a road to success

Richard Hayes, Director of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Electrotechnology Faculty of TAFE in New South Wales spoke to Andrew Heaton from Sourceable Industry News and Analysis about this paradox.

"I think success can be measured in different ways and does not always have to be measured through a degree," said Mr Hayes.

"More and more, we are seeing that young people coming into trades are going on to successful careers […] that can be very rewarding for them personally, but also financially as well."

Mr Hayes does not believe that the skill shortage is a crisis, but expresses a need for more people coming down the trades path to satisfy forecasted demand in the near future. Furthermore, the notion that a trades internship or work placement will not lead to success is speculative, as many tradesmen go on to high management positions.

Starting with quality candidates

If you have a labour vacancy in the Melbourne area, an industrial recruitment agency can bring the best candidates to you. As experts in sourcing, screening, and selecting, Flexi Personnel can find the right person for your position and help you overcome the struggle of a skill shortage.