LATEST NEWS 
April 28, 2008
Australia looks abroad to ease construction labour shortage
Victoria, Australia
The construction industry in Victoria, Australia will need 40,000 skilled workers over the next five years to meet its labour needs, states the Master Builders Association of Victoria [MBAV].
“The state’s construction industry continues to enjoy a period of strong growth, directly employing 170,000 Victorians and an output exceeding $27 billion,” states Brian Welch, executive director at MBAV.
Victoria needs to do more to retain its current skilled professionals and attract new participants an MBAV survey of its members found.
“With an aging workforce and many of our senior building professionals close to retirement age, the situation is expected to worsen,” said Welch.
MBAV recommends that measures be introduced such as the retraining of skilled workers at retirement age so their valuable skills and experience are not lost.
“Second, investigate the increasing trend in apprentice attrition rates. Master Builders is calling on the government to fund a study into why apprentices are bailing out of apprenticeships before completion,” said Welch.
According to Victoria’s Office of Training and Tertiary Education, in 2006, there was an increase of just two per cent in apprenticeship starts but a 5.3 per cent increase in cancellations and withdrawals.
“We also recommend the government fund an advertising campaign to attract new blood to the building and construction industry,” added Welch.
DCN News Services
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