Top Ten Skill Shortage Sectors in Australia

The Australian Government releases a Skilled Occupancy List (SOL). The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regularly updates this, based on the demand status for various occupations.

The SOL is further divided into three categories- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Nevertheless, the number of expressions of interest (EOI) or invitations that may be issued for individual occupations has a limit. The cap is known as the occupation ceiling. The occupation ceiling gives a fair idea of the top skill-shortage sectors in the country because the higher the number of the ceiling, there is more demand for the occupation.

Based on the occupation ceiling, on the occupation groups for the 2019-20 program year, the occupations in demand in Australia in 2020 can be said to be the following –

 Here are more details of ten top professions in demand:

1. Nurses and medical staff

Recently, the healthcare sector has experienced the highest rise and improvement in five years, and this is projected to continue until 2022. Registered nurses, elderly and aged assistants, personal care staff, receptionists and nursing help are the professions that are most in-demand in this sector.

2. Software programmers

There is currently a growing and vital need for software developers with various skills within the tech industry, such as those trained in user interface, web and back-end design, front end and full-stack developers.

3. Construction workers

The construction industry has a demand particularly for technicians and commercial workers such as electricians, carpenters, joiners and plumbers. There is also a demand for non-skilled labor.

4. Teachers

There is a demand for teachers especially in secondary schools in more regional parts of the country.

5. Management professionals

Numerous white-collar management and technical positions are increasingly in demand. Including the likes of the marketing, advertisement and accounting professionals.

6. Mechanics

Motor mechanics are in demand in Australia and specialist areas including automotive electrician, automatic transmission mechanic, automotive air-conditioning mechanics have good chances.

7. Skilled trades

Skilled trades such as metal machinists, sheet metal workers, welders, fitters and metal fabricators are in demand.

8. Farmers

Australia has a market for temporary farmworkers to assist with routine tasks like crop picking, as well as many incentives for more highly qualified farmworkers.

9. Mining workers

In mining, there will also be high demand for geologists, mining engineers, drill and blast operators, boilermakers, and dump truck operators.

10. Engineers

There is a huge demand for skilled and qualified engineers including mechanical, industrial, electronics, transport and electrical engineers.