Queensland is on the hunt for skilled engineers to help fill available jobs and build a strong, diverse workforce amidst skills and workforce shortages across the country.
This has prompted the development of a new guide for employers to help address critical skill shortages in the state’s engineering sector, driven by significant investment in infrastructure and changing workforce demographics.
Attracting and Retaining Engineers from Migrant Backgrounds: A Guide for Employers was developed in partnership by the Queensland Government, Engineers Australia and Consult Australia.
Queensland is already experiencing one of its tightest labour markets, with the situation set to persist due to predicted economic growth and demand for skilled employees.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said engineering, like many professions, continues to face significant nationwide labour and skills shortages. Meanwhile, people from migrant backgrounds with engineering qualifications are often not fully utilising their skills.
“We know there are many highly skilled Queenslanders from culturally and diverse backgrounds who, for a range of reasons, are not currently working in their field.
“This guide is focused on supporting employers to attract, and importantly retain and support engineers from migrant backgrounds living in Queensland or those who are willing to move interstate to help fill these gaps.
“We want to break down barriers by providing practical tips, advice and information for employers so they can better access the incredible pool of skills and knowledge available right here in Queensland.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said Queenslanders from migrant and refugee backgrounds with engineering qualifications and skills can make significant contributions to businesses and can be part of the solution to workforce shortages currently being faced across the sector.
“It is critical we access all talent pools to meet industry workforce needs, and I’m excited that through this partnership we will see people with the right skills in the right job which is at the heart of any thriving Queensland industry.
“We know that jobs change lives and this partnership is not only supporting the state’s workforce and economy – it’s supporting our migrant communities to find meaningful work and a bright future here in Queensland.”
Engineers Australia General Manager Stacey Rawlings said the next decade is expected to bring significant investment in infrastructure projects and an ever-changing workforce demographic in Queensland.
“We are proud to have partnered in the development of this guide which will support Queensland’s engineering sector to access local and global skills to meet the demands of today and long into the future,” she said.
Consult Australia Queensland Manager Kristine Banks said the guide will help employers bridge the knowledge gap with practical strategies that will open doors to more skilled migrants who are not currently working in the occupation they are skilled in.
“We know there are increasing demands on our labour market – this tool will help us fill those gaps while proactively breaking barriers for our migrant communities.”