February 18th, 2009 » Jobs in Australia
Australian engineering job market
Engineering, Manufacturing & Technical Recruitment – Market Commentary January / February 2009
by Australia Wide Personnel
Whilst there is much uncertainty in the recruitment market for engineering and technical professionals, we have not yet witnessed large numbers of retrenchments. We believe this is because many employers know how hard it is to attract talent in the first place. We believe that when economic conditions become more favourable, the skills shortage will return with extra venom. Overwhelmingly (although not in all cases), our clients are telling us they want to “wait and see” before putting on permanent staff. Following are our observations of the key recruitment markets we have been operating in since 1979.
Construction Engineering & Management
Whilst construction companies have been busy with existing building projects over the last quarter, hese were primarily awarded before any noticeable downturn. It is becoming more obvious that the umber of new projects tendered in the building and construction sector has dropped and onsequently, over the last 3 months, we have seen a significant drop in demand for experienced building personnel. As with any situation however, there are exceptions to the rule and a private property developer that we met with recently advises that they have just embarked on new projects that previously failed to stack up financially. Clearly the effects of lower outright purchase prices and a reduced cost of borrowing is helping them to revisit development opportunities that were previously unviable.
Since our last commentary in October, both the Infrastructure and Energy sectors continue to make advances and there are a number of new projects currently being tendered (with anticipated start dates towards the middle of 2009). These include major water treatment and supply, rail construction & maintenance and conventional and environmentally sustainable energy generation and supply projects. These areas will fuel further demand for suitably qualified and experienced professionals, and this trend looks set to continue across the entire country.
Based on our latest discussions with the marketplace we expect to undertake a significant amount of related recruitment in 2009, particularly roles requiring expertise at all levels including Civil Engineers, Project Managers and other project based staff eg. Mechanical & Electrical, Safety, Planning and Environmental focused roles.
Australia Wide Personnel are an Australian recruiter. The above article on the Australian engineering job market appeared in ENGAGE: Engineering Industry News – February 2009. Engineers Australia’s, Victorian Division Newsletter.
6 Comments
Hi, Myself Aakash. I’m an Electronics & Telecommunication graduate. I’ve been working in an electrical & automation industry for a year. I’m heading to UNSW, Sydney this July for my Masters i Telecommunications. Where will this degree lead me?I mean, though I’m an electronics engineer but since my specialization is in telecommunications ( sub discipline), which is not in CSL, moreover I don’t know about the job market for Telecommunications/Networking engineers there??
Aakash – Telecommunications is part of the electronics engineer occupation. So you would qualify as an electronics engineer, if you can produce a satisfactory CDR. Electronics engineers are on the CSL. You can get the full description for an electronics engineer occupation from the ABS website.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Here is the definition : 2125-13 Electronics Engineer – Designs, develops, adapts, installs, tests and maintains electronic components, circuits and systems used for computer systems, communication systems and other industrial applications. You will see the tasks listed include communication activities throughout.
In the short term doing a masters does not do anything for you for qualifications assessment. Your qualifications are assessed on your undergraduate degree. Talk with a migration agent and the UNSW and ask them to explain exactly how doing this course will help you compared to alternatives which will not cost anywhere near as much money. In the longer term having higher shills should help you, but you should see a direct link before spending your hard earned money. You need to try and get advice from people who do not profit from your decisions other than paying for the time to give you advices.
Good engineering work experience and good English are critical to successful migration. Before you spend thousands of dollars on a university course with no guarantee of getting closer to permanent residency, spend a few dollars on Project Australia so you have the references to make informed decisions. Be properly prepared to land a job in Australia before you get on a plane.
As for the job market, at the moment it is not good. In 18 months when you will have got through the immigration process there should be opportunities due to the major developments for upgrading Australia’s communications system. Immigration is a long term decision
Hi,
I have completed my Bachelor’s of Electronics & communication Engineering in India from 2004-2008. I got 1.5yrs of Work experience as Software Engineer and currently working.This year i got plans to do Masters in Information Technology(IT) in QUT or UQ for 1.5yrs. Hope IT is of great demand in Aus which is in CSL.Can you suggest me the jobs Opportunities for my specilisation and for applying PR.Whether my work experinece can talk for processing PR easily
It would be greatful if you can suggest some other good universities for Masters in Information Technology.
Thank u !!
Collin – No idea as you have not told me your software specialisation. To get some idea go to job sites such as SEEK. As the CSL is being phased out, it is impossible to tell what will happen over the next 6 months. The university you choose will be dependant on the speciality you want to follow.
hi,
i have done diploma in electrical engineering & working as a electrical design engineer from past3 years in reputed steel company. what are my chances to get work permit in australia or my immigration chances .please guide me.
Manu – they should be good as an engineering technologist.
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