Australia’s skills shortage on the mend

Jobs and Skills Australia is giving fresh insights into the Australian labour market with the latest findings from their online tool called the Occupation Shortage List, or OSL.

This year's results show 33% of all jobs are in shortage nationally, down from 36% in 2023.

“This is an encouraging sign Australia is making some progress easing the skills shortages affecting many areas of the economy post-pandemic,” said Jobs and Skills Australia's Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover AO.

“Another very encouraging sign are the strong enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE in priority sectors – such as care, construction, technology and early childhood education. Shortages will ease when these Australian workers complete their training,” added Professor Glover.

This year’s results show that occupations with more mature-aged workers are less likely to face shortages. Only 19% of occupations where at least 30% of their workers were aged over 55 were in shortage, compared to 44% of those occupations with fewer older workers.

“Our data demonstrates that drawing on the talent of our older workers helps address workforce gaps, especially in an ageing population,” said Professor Glover.

Some areas continue to have high shortages. They include the categories of Technicians and Traded Workers and Professionals – that is health, engineering, teaching and science roles.

A focus on training, retaining and upskilling Australians to tackle these shortages remains vitally important.

Some occupations employing large numbers remain in shortage too – with aged or disabled carers, primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, truck drivers, electricians and child carers.

The OSL tool, updated annually, provides an assessment of the Australian labour market – with results about occupation shortage for state and territory, regional and metropolitan areas. The list – first published by Jobs and Skills Australia in 2023 as the ‘Skills Priority List’ – has been significantly improved for better accessibility and usability.

Explore the online tool at the JSA website.

 

Media contact: media@jobsandskills.gov.au