Northern Territory needs project managers and engineers

The Northern Territory is experiencing an economic boom due to its uranium and gas deposits, reports the ABC News, and is in need of skilled labour to maintain its momentum and continue to grow as a primary industry.

BIS Shrapnel, an industry forecaster, says the mining industry in the Northern Territory is vital to securing Australia’s economic growth. A report from the company also highlights the need for capital investment and more workers to maintain growth within the industry, so it can continue to provide Australia with its primary source of GDP and remain globally competitive.

Adrian Hart, Senior Manager for mining at BIS Shrapnel, says the lack of workers is holding back growth in the industry. "If we could, we could be opening a new LNG train every couple of years for the next two decades. We do have the resources and the potential projects there," he said.

"We just don’t have the skilled labour and the materials and equipment to do it," he added.

The Northern Territory Government has advertised for 33 managers, engineers, project officers and supervisors to kick-start the projects.

"We need to attract people and we need to pay them the best money. We can’t just rely on 'The Territory is a nice place to live'", Mr Hart commented.

The Government will be looking for overseas skilled workers to fill positions in the Northern Territory. Overseas workers can apply for Australian skilled migrant visas to gain permanent residency and work in the country. If the applicant already has a job offer in Australia, the process can be fast-tracked.

Overseas skilled workers can also apply for an Australian working holiday visa, which allows young people between the ages of 18 and 30 years to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. As of this month, if travellers on a working holiday visa work in regional Australia in the construction industry for three months or more, they can apply for a second working holiday visa while in the country.

Article by Jessica Bird, Australian Visa Bureau.

The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for visas to Australia.