Construction skills in high demand

Recruitment expert Hays has released its latest job market report and it seems things are looking rosy for job seekers within the civil construction industry.

The report, which covers January to June 2018, lists the construction sector as one of the employment hotspots of 2018, with vacancy activity expected to continue well into the year.

“We start 2018 off the back of a strong, stable run of jobs growth where the labour market grew by over 383,000 positions in the past 12 months,” says Managing Director of Hays in Australia & New Zealand, Nick Deligiannis.

“Basically, more people are looking for and finding work.

“New calendar year hires will add to momentum as employers fills gaps in their headcount to take advantage of strong economic conditions.”

Other in-demand professions of 2018, according to Hays, include social workers, commercial analysts and developers - all roles that can’t (yet) be automated.

While construction skills are generally in high demand across most states, the demand hotspots vary based on location. Hays has provided a state by state breakdown, with the exception of Victoria.

New South Wales

It is expected that the number of large tier two projects will continue to rise, placing Structures Forepersons and experienced Project Engineers in high demand.

Thanks to a number of upcoming projects, Site Managers will see continued demand for their skills. The work on the Barangaroo dedicated public space development will continue, prompting refurbishments in existing office spaces, therefore requiring more Fit-out Contract Administrators in Sydney’s CBD.

As a result of this activity, there is a serious shortage at the intermediate level. Contract Administrators and Senior Contract Administrators with experience in both residential and commercial building will be sought across Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter region.

Project Managers with commercial building experience on projects between $20-50 million will also be sought after particularly across the Newcastle and Hunter region where there has been an increase in these projects. Estimators will be required to price both residential and high value commercial projects. High-rise residential experts will be in demand in response to the high volume of these projects, particularly in Newcastle and Gosford.

Queensland

Civil Project Engineers will be highly sought after during the first half of the year in QLD, but there is a shortage of people with main roads experience willing to work on a roster. Additionally, Project Managers with large commercial experience are a skill shortage area.

Contract Administrators who hold a QS or BSc qualification and have demonstrated experience in commercial construction will be required. Site Managers will also be sought, particularly in Brisbane.

South Australia

Medium density apartment building and commercial activity will keep the South Australian market busy in the first half of 2018, while significant infrastructure projects will boost the civil market for the next few years. As a result, Civil Project Engineers will be in high demand.

Both Commercial and Residential Estimators will be required, as well as Commercial Contract Administrators with at least three to five years of experience. Strong Civil Contract Administrators with experience will see high demand too.

Northern Territory

Significant investment in defence housing, infrastructure and commercial development totalling $2 billion will drive the NT market this half.  In addition, a major $1 billion land release will drive new residential, commercial and education projects.

In particular demand in the first half of 2018 will be Project Managers on the client side in response to defence and Northern Territory Government projects.  Project Managers, Site Managers and Contract Administrators will also be in demand for construction defence projects in both Darwin and Katherine in 2018.

Western Australia

Project Managers with commercial experience and Quantity Surveyors with commercial building experience will be sought in the first half of 2018 across WA.

There will be strong demand for the skills of both Project Engineers at the intermediate level with commercial experience and Civil Engineers with solid experience.

Tasmania

Commercial building construction is booming in Hobart, thanks to The Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment, the undersupply of hotel rooms in the CBD and the strategic focus of the University of Tasmania to relocate into the CBD.

As a result, demand will be high in the first half of 2018 for specialist building construction trades, particularly Fire Sprinkler Fitters and HVAC Technicians. Structural Tradespeople and skilled Labourers will also be required.

Residential, commercial and engineering construction activity saw a sharp increase over the last three quarters of 2017. Government investment in civil infrastructure also increased, which will create additional demand for Civil Project Managers, Project Engineers and Civil Tradespeople and skilled Labourers.