Despite being one of the world’s largest countries by area, Australia is increasingly urbanised. In the 2018/19 financial year, 79% of population growth came from capital cities and put increased pressure on the infrastructure and job markets of urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Regional Australia, on the other hand, is experiencing a regional jobs boom despite the economic impact of the pandemic. With a record 54,000 vacancies, workers are in demand in several industries and hopes are high for growth; but are we on the brink of a skills shortage, and how can employers ensure they attract the right talent?
Adapting to more flexible working conditions
The restrictions used in parts of Australia to limit the impact of the pandemic highlighted that a range of occupations can be performed remotely. Many businesses have discovered that letting staff work from home is not just possible in the short term, but potentially viable as a permanent arrangement to cut down on office space and associated costs. Regional businesses that are unable to find local talent or convince candidates to relocate can potentially ease the strain by considering remote applicants who can work from home.
Considering skills shortages
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is identifying the emergence of skills shortages consistent between many areas of regional Australia. Healthcare, social assistance and education are among the industries most expected to experience skills shortages in coming years, making it harder for employers to hire new staff. Staying aware of these industry trends is vital for businesses looking for recruits and more attractive salary packages, benefits and work flexibility may be required to remain competitive with other employers.
How technology is changing employment
As industries evolve, so do the nature of jobs available within them. While we already know automation and AI are tipped to replace numerous low-skilled, labour-intensive jobs, RAI predicts work will grow in high tech (know-how and specialists), high touch (do and deliver) and high care roles (personal and emotionally engaged). The ongoing disruption caused by technology is likely to shift emphasis to jobs that are “flexible, entrepreneurial and dynamic”, in contrast with occupations more vulnerable to redundancy.
How recruiters can help
For regional employers in need of fresh talent, FIP Group offers industry-leading recruitment services in a wide range of industries. We help you get the best talent and fast, helping you meet your staffing needs with temporary and permanent workers anywhere in Australia. Get in touch to find out how we can help!
