RELEASING its Future of the Workforce report, Master Builders Australia forecasts the building and construction industry needs 130,000 additional workers this year to overcome workforce shortages.
This shortfall is on top of those required for natural attrition and requires federal and state governments to prioritise reforms that will attract and retain more workers.
“While it is a significant number, this presents an opportunity for growth in an industry that is pivotal to the nation’s economic success,” Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn said.
The report takes a closer look at the current state of the industry, the impact of chronic workforce shortages, and recommends sensible policy measures to relieve the pressure.
As the country’s second-largest industry employer, one in 11 Australians work in building and construction, but the number of people joining the industry each year is not enough to keep up with demand.
Ms Wawn added: “This is the very workforce needed to deliver the homes and supporting infrastructure we desperately need.
“Productivity has declined 18% over the last decade putting significant pressures on workers and employers.
“Despite challenges, the industry is in a unique position to grow and innovate.”
She said there was a strong pipeline of work for the industry across the housing, commercial and civil sectors, presenting a great opportunity for people to join.
“There’s no quick fix to the critical workforce shortages,” Ms Wawn said, “it will require a holistic approach across Federal Government portfolios from migration, skills and training through to industrial relations.
“Proposed solutions include increasing trade apprenticeships, leveraging skilled migration from similar regions, and fostering a diverse, inclusive culture to attract new talent from across the economy.”
