15 January 2008

Shortage of engineers for Australian immigration

The Australian energy and mining industries have warned that current levels of engineering graduates from Australian universities will not be enough to meet the severe skills shortage expected in the next 20 years. Foreign trained engineers will find continuing opportunities and high salaries if they have an Australian visa.

Jason Kuchel, chief executive for the South Australia Chamber of Mines and Energy told the Advertiser that it will be "impossible" to fill the industry skills requirements in the next 20 years. He said that engineering is "the foundation of our society, from manufacturing, mining, water, electricity and roads".

The defence industry is another sector that is crying out for skilled engineers. "The defence industry in South Australia is expanding rapidly with major projects like the Air Warfare Destroyer program, and as an engineering-based company we are pleased to see stronger demand for engineering places at our local universities," John Gallagher, the chief executive of defence shipbuilder ASC, told the newspaper. More engineers are always welcome he added.

The job-rich and candidate-short market is in mining, electrical and mechanical engineering, according to employment consultant Kelly Services. Kelly figures reveal high demand for mechanical engineers with experience in mining processing, and for civil or structural engineers with experience in heavy industry. Designers in mechanical, electrical and structural industries are also needed, particularly with experience of '3D'.

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