Skills For Success In Western Australia's Economy

what skills are needed in western australia

Western Australia's Jobs and Skills program provides training, career advice, and job opportunities for individuals seeking employment or looking to upskill. The Western Australia Occupation Lists indicate the professions needed to address skill shortages in the state, with the Skilled Migration Program offering visas to those with in-demand occupations. Skill shortages are particularly acute in regional areas, with factors such as remoteness impacting recruitment. To address these shortages, strategies such as enhancing occupation attractiveness through improved remuneration, working conditions, and professional development are being explored.

Characteristics Values
Skills needed General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers, Software and Applications Programmers, Motor Mechanics, Human Resource Professionals, Chefs, Child Carers, Aged and Disabled Carers
Requirements A positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation, a score of at least 65 on the points test, at least one year of work experience in the nominated occupation
Visa options 190 and 491 skilled visas
Location Remote areas are facing acute skill shortages

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Western Australia's Jobs and Skills WA Adult Apprentice Employer Incentive

The Western Australian State Government recognises that skill shortages can be acute in regional areas and that location plays a significant role in recruitment challenges. The Adult Apprentice Employer Incentive is one strategy to enhance the attractiveness of occupations in demand and boost the number of qualified individuals in the labour market.

Under this incentive, eligible employers can receive a base payment of up to $8,500 and may also be entitled to additional loading payments. These additional payments apply when apprentices or trainees meet specific criteria, such as belonging to priority occupation groups, being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, having a disability, residing in regional WA, or being aged between 21 and 30 years old.

To be eligible for the incentive, employers must meet certain requirements. These include entering into a training contract with an apprentice who is 21 years of age or older and pursuing an apprenticeship in the building and construction sector. Additionally, the apprentice must be living and working in Western Australia, including the Indian Ocean Territories.

Employers can access information and support through Jobs and Skills Centres located across Perth and regional Western Australia. These centres provide guidance on apprenticeships, workforce development, and available financial incentives. The centres also assist individuals in acquiring the skills they need for their desired careers, offering free or low-fee full qualifications and short course skill sets.

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Skilled Migration Program

Western Australia has a Skilled Migration Program that addresses skill shortages in the state. The Western Australia Occupation Lists detail the professions needed to fill these gaps, and individuals with these skills can apply for a visa through the Skilled Migration Program. The requirements for regional visas are updated annually, and interested applicants must meet certain criteria. These include having an occupation listed on the relevant occupation lists, satisfying specific state requirements, and fulfilling the basic requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

The skilled occupation list (SOL) summarises the occupations that Australia needs to address skill shortages. Skill shortages have been particularly notable in regional areas, and remote locations often struggle to attract applicants. Migration options are being considered as part of the strategy to address these shortages. Occupations in demand include human resource professionals, chefs, child carers, aged and disabled carers, general practitioners, resident medical officers, software and applications programmers, and motor mechanics.

To be selected by Western Australia and invited by SkillSelect, individuals must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meet specific requirements. These include scoring at least 65 on the points test (unless a higher score is required by WA), having an occupation listed on the WA Occupation List, and obtaining a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year of Australian or overseas work experience in the nominated or closely related occupation over the last ten years.

The Western Australia Occupation Lists for 2023-24 are now open for applications for both visa Subclasses 190 and 491. The requirements have become more flexible compared to the previous year, and there is no application fee. Interstate and overseas applicants will be given equal consideration. Individuals interested in applying for a Skilled Visa within Western Australia should refer to the relevant occupation lists and ensure they meet the necessary criteria.

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Skills shortages in regional areas

In Western Australia, skill shortages have been particularly acute in regional areas, especially for highly skilled workers. Over 36% of employers in Western Australia reported location as a reason for recruitment difficulties, and 20% had a suitable applicant decline a job offer because of the location.

The Western Australian Government is working to develop its workforce to meet economic and community needs. The Department of Training and Workforce Development works with stakeholders across government, industry, and the community to establish strategies and programs that build the state's workforce. Twelve Regional Coordinating Committees (RCCs) are in place across the state to support regional communities in implementing new practical and place-based actions with a focus on local solutions to local issues.

The Western Australian Government also offers a register of out-of-contract apprentices and trainees in metropolitan and regional areas to help employers connect with potential employees. Additionally, the government has established eight training councils, each covering a particular industry sector, to advise on attracting, retaining, and skilling a capable and sustainable workforce.

To address skill shortages, some sources suggest that increasing wages is one way to attract more workers. However, analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia and the Reserve Bank of Australia shows that wage adjustments are rarely used by employers as a short-term response to skill shortages. Instead, other strategies such as improving working conditions, providing professional development opportunities, and offering clearer career pathways can be explored to enhance the attractiveness of occupations.

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Occupations with persistent shortages

Western Australia, like other regional areas in the country, has been facing skill shortages, especially for highly skilled workers. The Western Australia Occupation Lists indicate the professions needed to address these skill shortages and allow individuals to apply for a visa through the Skilled Migration Program.

The Jobs and Skills Australia report lists the top three occupations in demand by shortage type in 2023 as General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers, Software and Applications Programmers, and Motor Mechanics. These occupations have yet to be categorized.

Additionally, migration options can be considered as part of the strategy to address skill shortages. The Western Australia Skilled Migration Program offers visa pathways for individuals with occupations listed on the relevant WA Occupation Lists, meeting specific state requirements, and basic eligibility criteria defined by the Department of Home Affairs.

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Skills Priority List

Western Australia's Jobs and Skills programme provides training, careers and jobs within the region. The Western Australia Occupation Lists detail the professions needed to address skill shortages in the state. The lists also enable individuals to apply for a visa through the Skilled Migration Program.

The Skills Priority List for 2023 highlights the top 20 occupations in demand, including General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers, Software and Applications Programmers, and Motor Mechanics. Other in-demand occupations include Human Resource Professionals, Chefs, Child Carers, and Aged and Disabled Carers.

The skilled occupation list (SOL) summarises the occupations Australia needs to fill skill shortages. Skill shortages have been particularly acute in regional areas, and increasing wages is one way to attract more workers. However, the success of this approach depends on the 'elasticity of labour supply', which is influenced by the number of people with the required skills.

To be selected by Western Australia and SkillSelect, individuals must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meet specific requirements, such as scoring at least 65 on the points test and having a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation.

Frequently asked questions

The Western Australia Occupation Lists indicate the professions needed to address skill shortages in the state.

You can check the Western Australia Occupation Lists and Requirements for 2023-24 online.

Some in-demand occupations in Western Australia include general practitioners, resident medical officers, software and applications programmers, and motor mechanics.

To be selected by Western Australia and invited by SkillSelect, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meet certain requirements, such as having a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.

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