Australia Faces Most Significant Skills Shortage in 60 Years, Urgent Action Needed for Clean Energy Transition

Australia is currently grappling with its most significant skills shortage in six decades, according to Peter Dawkins, Acting Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). He emphasized the need for immediate action to train specialized workers to support the country’s clean energy transition. JSA data reveals that 36% of occupations in Australia are currently facing a skills shortage in 2023, up from 31% in the previous year.

This shortage affects various fields, with technicians, trade workers, and professionals in health, engineering, and science roles being particularly affected. The situation calls for a substantial workforce transformation as Australia pursues its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

To address this challenge, JSA’s 2023 Jobs and Skills Report suggests adopting strategies across higher education, vocational training, and migration while focusing on improving gender balance in professions facing severe worker shortages.