12 November 2007

University experts highlight Australian skill shortages

Australian university experts are concerned about the severe skills shortages being experienced across the Australian economy. The Australian education system is not producing sufficient qualified professionals to meet demand, it has been reported and Australian immigration is needed to avoid constraining the rampant economy.

The Centre for Population and Urban Research at Monash University has released a paper showing that fewer Australian are enrolling in universities and colleges, compounding the shortage of skilled workers.

Director Bob Birrell says Australia's education system is not adequately meeting the skills needs in the economy. "The present arrangements are falling woefully short of the wider economic need," he noted.

Areas of particular shortages include engineering, health and accounting. "But it is a very wide spectrum now. In the last six years it was a net growth of 1.3 million jobs in Australia," said Dr Birrell. "Just on 80 per cent of that net growth was in the managerial, professional, social areas. So the opportunities are enormous, but our training system is lagging way behind need, which is why we've put this document into the public arena at this point."

Australia needs skilled immigrants: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.


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