Recruitment specialist Hays has released its January to March quarterly report into labour and skills demand, examining the ‘current hotspots of recruitment activity and trends’.

 

Mining and resources continue to dominate engineering recruitment throughout the country, with specific demand for mechanical design engineers with heavy industry and bulk materials handling being exerted by the mining sector.  

 

An increase in the number of employers using Revit/BIM on large scale building services projects has created a need for Design Drafters with Revit experience in New South Wales. The state also needs 12D Designers with practical civil/structural experience and Asset Engineers.

 

Strong demand in the Northern Territory has been driven by the commencement of several major projects in the next two years. In particular, demand for mid-level and senior consulting engineers with experience in civil and structural infrastructure has continued to show strong growth.

 

In Western Australia, the engineering market is still dominated by the mining industry, particularly in the heavy industrial design, environmental, rail and non process infrastructure space. Much of the mining related recruitment is project based, and so the need for long-term contractors continues to increase. Permanent recruitment is reserved for engineers beginning their career who require development or managers in strategic corporate positions.

 

Team Leaders with environmental impact assessment, FIFO experience and local knowledge are in strong demand in all the major mining states as large projects begin to mature.

 

“There is a skills shortage for Senior Civil Engineers with local experience in designing related civil elements on buildings, land development and sub-division projects, particularly with developed skills in 12D. As with New South Wales, Victoria has seen an increase in demand for Mechanical & Electrical Revit Design Drafters in the building services sector,” the report reads.

 

The report also found that increased demand and restricted supply of highly qualified engineering professionals will drive flexible salary offers.

 

The report can be found here