Tradies move to mining positions

AN INFLUX of tradies wanting to snap up mining jobs is keeping Townsville recruitment agencies busy, as the most in-demand jobs are revealed.

With latest figures released by the Australian Labour Market data showing unemployment in the Townsville region is at its lowest rate in five years, there are still industries reporting skills shortages.

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Conus reveals a massive skills gap in the mining industry, with Townsville experiencing a participation rate fall of 1100 people in the first eight months of this year.

Regional director of Hays in Townsville Ged Welsh said they had noticed an increase in mining jobs advertised.

“The mining sector is seeing increased activity in both metalliferous and coal,” he said.

“Given this, boilermakers and diesel mechanics have flocked back to well-paid mining jobs, which leaves a shortfall of candidates for roles in local manufacturing businesses.”

Assistant to the managing director at local recruitment agency TP Human Capital Annalise Smith agreed, saying they too had experienced an increased interest in miningsector vacancies.

“Labourers and excavators in the mining industry is booming again,” she said.

“But with the mining companies come specific skills and tickets and it is hard because not everyone holds the relevant forklift licences and driver’s licences.”

Further analysis of the report produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Conus also indicated a 2500person decrease in healthcare professional employees in Townsville this year.

Mr Welsh said the statistics were on trend and highlighted the only industry that was lacking in fresh university graduates was the health sector.

“While the supply of graduates and trainees for most skilled professions exceeds demand, a notable exception is the healthcare sector, where graduate speech pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists are all required,” he said.

Currently on Seek there are 179 healthcare and medical jobs advertised, 100 in manufacturing, transport and logistics and 91 in education.

As of yesterday there were 65 mining vacancies, 74 government and defence jobs, and 84 positions in hospitality and tourism.

The only sector with more jobs advertised in the Townsville region than healthcare was trades and services.