Published 18 November 2021
Overview:
- The Australian Resource and Energy Sector will require 24,400 new workers by 2026.
- There are 98 “committed” or “likely” projects worth $83.8 billion in the national pipeline.
- Top jobs forecasted are Plant Operators, Diesel Fitters, and Technical Engineering and Geologist roles.
- WA and QLD will have the biggest workforce requirement with 11,628 and 6,240 workers, respectively.
The Australian Resource and Energy Group (AMMA) has released the Resources and Energy Forecast (2021 – 2026) report that reviews projects in the national pipeline and the impact they will have on the workforce and industry.
The report finds that the 98 projects in the pipeline that are currently marked as ‘committed’ or ‘likely’ have a combined value of $83.8 billion and will require approximately 24,000 new workers by 2026.
AMMA says that these figures are conservative as they do not account for all the new projects that will come into play between now and 2026. Steve Knott, AMMA Chief Executive said, “The Resources and Energy Industry has entered a new growth cycle.”
Western Australia will have the largest workforce demand at 11,628 new workers for the 47 projects in the state’s pipeline.
With 20 projects including several new coal mines in the works, Queensland’s resource and energy workforce will require an additional 6,240 workers in the next 6 years.
Based on an in-depth review of the upcoming projects, the report found the following to be the most sought-after jobs:
Plant Operations – 9,233 workers
Diesel Fitters – 3,014 workers
Engineering, Geologists, and other technical roles – 4,484 workers
It is more important now than ever before for the Australian workforce to be prepared and skilled to undertake the jobs that will help the industry move forward in 2021.
At Site Skills Training, we deliver more than 200 courses in 13 industries including mining, construction, energy, manufacturing, and engineering. We help students and clients develop the skills they need for the jobs of today and in the future.