Victoria looks to Australian immigration to solve skills shortage

The state of Victoria is looking to Australian immigration to solve the skills shortage in the construction sector. The Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV) said that the state will need 40,000 skilled workers over the next five years, with the association needing to attract more workers, reports Daily Commercial News. Brian Welch, an executive director at MBAV, said: "With an aging workforce and many of our senior building professionals close to retirement age, the situation is expected to worsen."

He added that while retraining skilled workers at retirement age is one option, Australian immigration is another route. "We also recommend the government fund an advertising campaign to attract new blood to the building and construction industry," Mr Welch told the website. The government revealed last week that it is proposing to start a special visa scheme to attract thousands of construction workers who want to engage in Australian immigration.

Australia needs skilled workers: 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.