Skills Shortage Top Issue in Australia's Construction Industry, Survey Says

The skills shortage has once more registered as a top issue in Australia’s construction industry, according to a Davis Langton sentiment survey released this week.

Metal workers, plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters and electricians are now the most difficult positions to fill, with more than 25 per cent of survey participants experiencing a staffing shortage.

As well as trade staff, the report also observed a shortage of professional staff including architects, project managers and engineers. It says lucrative overseas positions in booming international cities, such as Dubai, is contributing to a professional staff skills shortage around the world.

Despite this, it’s been a big year for Australian builders.

The Davis Langdon Construction Sentiment Report, which measures movements in construction industry sentiment, said 52 per cent of respondents experienced “significant” increases in new business this year, up 9 per cent on January figures.

“There is also a widely held expectation that there is more work ahead”, says Rachel Kelloway, national research manager for Davis Langdon, “62% of industry players believe construction workload will increase over the next 12 months.

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