The Western Australian Government has released the latest State Priority Occupation List, showing that engineers, nurses and childcare workers are among the most sought-after employees.

 

“Of the 339 occupations identified, more than 70 per cent are managers, professionals, technicians and trade workers, underscoring the need for high-level skills and training in the WA workforce,” State Minister for Training and Workforce Development Murray Cowper said.

 

“Each occupation is ranked as a State Priority 1, State Priority 2 or an Industry Training Council-identified priority, with nurses, engineers and childcare workers among those jobs currently experiencing peak demand.”

 

The list was developed through input with industry stakeholders via the State Training Council network, combined with data assembled using key economic and labour market indicators.

 

Assessment for inclusion on the State Priority Occupation List follows a range of criteria, such as the skill level required to perform the job, educational pathways available for training, as well as the impact of the occupation upon industry or the State economy.

 

The Minister said it was critical that the State Government planned for the future to ensure employment and training opportunities were maximised and future skills shortages minimised.


“With billions of dollars in projects either under way or under consideration, it is essential the Government has up-to-date information to guide its workforce planning decisions,” he said. 


“The State Priority Occupation List helps us maximise training and employment opportunities for all West Australians so we have the right skills, at the right time, now and into the future.”

 

The full list is available here