GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT
September 2014
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au
GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au
GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Skill Shortage Report Background
Enterprise Geelong is pleased to present the 5th edition of the Geelong Region Skill Shortage
Report.
The Report aims to provide a better understanding of the range and extent of skill shortages that
employers report they are currently experiencing and those they anticipate they may experience in
the coming 12 months.
Skill shortages are defined as positions employers are unable to fill from the local labour market.
The information collected in this Report is intended to inform:

Planning by regional education and training organisations

The development of strategic directions for industry

A range of workforce assistance initiatives

Skill sourcing and attraction for the region
Over 3,200 employers across the G21 Region (City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Colac
Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire and Borough of Queenscliffe) were invited to participate in the
survey between July and August 2014. Enterprise Geelong contacted employers directly as well as
utilising a wide range of industry and business networks. Further information on the how the
Report was prepared can be found in the methodology section.
The Geelong Region Skill Shortages Report is not an exhaustive list skill shortages for the region.
Some existing employers with known skill shortages choose not to participate. Other employers
with projects earmarked for Geelong have chosen to wait until their project is nearing
commencement before participating in the survey. We forecast further projected need in Health
and Allied Health professions as well as a range of specialist manufacturing roles.
238 employers responded to the survey. 73 of these employers reported current and/or anticipated
skill shortages.
A total of 232 skill shortages were reported. These have been collated and coded against the
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification
(ANZSIC), 2006 and the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
(ANZSCO), Version 1.2 (2013) in this Geelong Region Skill Shortage Report - September 2014.
The previous Geelong Region Skill Shortage Reports can be found on Enterprise Geelong’s website
in the publications section:
Geelong Region Skills Shortage Report 2013
Geelong Region Skills Shortage Report 2012
Geelong Region Skills Shortage Report 2011
Geelong Region Skills Shortage Report 2010
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au
GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Executive Summary
Over all Findings

A total of 73 employers reported one or more occupations that are or are anticipated
to be in shortage over the next 12 months. These positions include full-time and part-time
positions for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled occupations.

A total 232 positions were identified as being an existing and/or anticipated skills
shortage.

Employers reported 119 existing skill shortages positions. These are positions employers
are currently having difficulty filling.

Employers reported 113 anticipated skill shortage positions. These are positions that
employers anticipate they will have difficulty filling during 2015.
Skill shortages by ANZSIC Industry Sector
Of the 232 existing or anticipated shortages reported by employers
 Almost one third are within the Health Care and Social Assistance industry sector (76
positions or 32.8 %)
 A further 39 positions (16.8%) are in the Accommodation and Food Services sector
 28 positions (12.1%) are in the Manufacturing sector.
Skill shortages by Occupational Classification (ANZSCO)
 Of the 119 skill shortages that employers reported as being existing, 103 positions or 86.6%
are for skilled or semi-skilled occupations that fall within ANZSCO skill level 1-4. The
remaining 16 positions or 13.4% are for occupations that are semi-skilled or unskilled and
fall within ANZSCO skill levels 5-8.
 Of the 113 skill shortages that employers anticipate to have difficulty filling in 2015, 89 or
78.8% are for skilled or semi-skilled occupations that fall within ANZSCO skill levels 14. The remaining 24 positions or 21.2% are for occupations that are semi-skilled or
unskilled and fall within ANZSCO skill levels 5-8.
 Of the 119 existing skill shortages reported by employers, the Technical and Trade Sector
accounted for 50 positions (42.0%), the Professional Sector accounted for 39 positions (32.8%)
and the Community and Personal Services Sector accounted for 11 positions (9.2%) as did the
Labourer sector; 11 positions (9.2%)
Technical and Trade Sector:
- Food Trades Workers (15 positions)
- Automotive and Engineering Trades (12 positions)
- Construction and Trades Workers (8 positions)
Professional Occupation Sector
- Health Professionals (18 positions)
- Business, Human Resources and Marketing Professionals (6 positions)
- Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals (6 positions)
Community and Personal Service Sector
- Health and Welfare Support Workers (4 positions)
- Carers and Aides (3 positions)
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
 Of the 113 anticipated skill shortages reported by employers for 2015, the Professional Sector
accounted for 44 positions (38.9%). There is anticipated demand for occupations in the
Technical & Trades Sector, 26 positions (23.0%) and the Community & Personal Service Sector,
19 positions (16.8%).
Professional Occupation Sector
- Health Professionals (28 positions)
- Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals (10 positions)
Technical and Trades Sector:
- Construction trades Workers (7 positions)
- Food Trades Workers (6 Positions)
- Electrotechnology and Telecommunications trades workers (5 positions)
Community and Personal Service Sector
- Hospitality Workers (9 positions)
- Health and Welfare Support Workers (4 positions)
Occupations in Shortage
The most frequently reported existing skill shortages occupations include:
Skilled, trade and technical occupations (ANZSCO skill level 1-4):
- Chefs/cooks (12)
- Physiotherapists(7)
- Mechanics (5)
- Registered Nurses - Various specialties (5)
- Brick Layer (5)
Semi-skilled or unskilled Occupations: (ANZSCO 5-8)
- Food Production Worker (5)
- Personal Care Assistant (3)
The most frequently reported anticipated skill shortages occupations in 2015 include:
Skilled , trade and technical occupations (ANZSCO 1-4):
- Registered Nurses - Various specialties (10)
- Hospital Registrars – Various Specialties (4)
- Bricklayers (5)
- Chefs/cooks (4)
Semi-Skilled or Unskilled Occupations: (ANZSCO 5-8)
- Food Production Factory Worker (10)
- Waitstaff (5)
- Front of House Hospitality Staff (4)
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Recruitment Strategies used by employers
The top recruitment strategies reported by employers with existing and/or anticipated skill vacancies
were: (multiple selections apply)









Internet advertising (62%)
Newspaper advertising (59%)
Industry Networks (41%)
Word of mouth (36%)
Recruitment companies (33%)
Up-skilling staff (17%)
Local training and education providers (14%)
Local labour market programs 13%
Employing applications less qualified and experienced than required (11%)
How skill vacancies have come about
The top reasons employers sited for how skill vacancies had come about: (multiple selections apply)






Additional staff needed to meet business growth (61%)
Departure from business of experienced staff (47%),
Experienced staff have or are about to retire (18%)
Unable to attract new entrants to the industry (17%)
Change in skill requirements of staff needed in the business (11%)
Apprentices/trainees having left upon completion of qualification (7%)
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Industry Classification
as reported by regional businesses
Skill Shortage Positions (1)
Current
2014
Anticipated
2015 (2)
Current &
Anticipated
Current &
Anticipated
% share
A Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
0
0
0
0.0%
B Mining
0
0
0
0.0%
C Manufacturing
11
17
28
12.1%
D Electricity, Gas Water and Waste Services
0
0
0
0.0%
E Construction
10
8
18
7.8%
F Wholesale Trade
0
0
0
0.0%
G Retail Trade
7
2
9
3.9%
H Accommodation and Food Services
21
18
39
16.8%
I Transport, Postal and Warehousing
1
0
1
0.4%
J Information, Media and Telecommunications
3
2
5
2.2%
K Financial and Insurance Services
0
3
3
1.3%
L Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
0
3
3
1.3%
M Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
12
2
14
6.0%
N Administrative and Support Services
0
0
0
0.0%
O Public Administration and Safety
6
3
9
3.9%
P Education and Training
2
2
4
1.7%
Q Health Care and Social Assistance
28
48
76
32.8%
R Arts and Recreation Services
0
1
1
0.4%
S Other Services
18
4
22
9.5%
119
113
232
100.0%
ANZSIC Structure Groups
Total
Source: City of Greater Geelong, August 2014. ANZSIC: Australian Bureau of Statistics: Australian and New Zealand Standard Industry
Classification. (1) Refers to full time and part time positions, includes vacancies for paid positions only, apprentices counted under qualified
profession (2) refers to positions that employers anticipate will emerge in 2015.
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Occupation Classification
as reported by regional businesses
Skill Shortage Positions(1)
Current
2014
ANZSCO Structure Groups
Anticipated
2015 (2)
Current &
Anticipated
1..Managers
13 Specialist Managers
1
1
14 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers
2
2
2. Professionals
22 Business, Human Resource and Marketing Professionals
6
2
8
23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals
6
1
7
2
2
24 Education Professionals
25 Health Professionals
18
28
46
26 ICT Professionals
5
1
6
27 Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals
4
10
14
31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians
8
4
12
32 Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers
13
1
14
33 Construction Trades Workers
8
7
15
34 Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers
1
5
6
35 Food Trades Workers
16
6
22
39 Other Technicians and Trades Workers
5
3
8
41 Health and Welfare Support Workers
4
4
8
42 Carers and Aides
3
2
5
9
9
3. Technicians and Trades Workers
4. Community and Personal Service Workers
43 Hospitality Workers
44 Protective Service Workers
2
3
5
45 Sports and Personal Service Workers
2
1
3
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Occupation Classification cont…
Skill Shortage Positions(1)
ANZSCO Structure Groups
Current
2014
Anticipated
2015 (2)
Current &
Anticipated
5. Clerical and Administrative Workers
54 Inquiry Clerks and Receptionists
2
2
55 Numerical Clerks
1
1
1
1
2
4
6. Sales Workers
61 Sales Representatives and Agents
62 Sales Assistants and Salespersons
2
7. Machinery Operators and Drivers
71 Machine Stationary Plant Operators
73 Road and Rail Drivers
2
2
3
1
4
3
2
5
3
3
10
16
8. Labourers
81 Cleaners and Laundry Workers
82 Construction and Mining Labourers
83 Factory Process Workers
6
85 Food Preparation Assistants
2
Total:
119
2
113
232
Source: City of Greater Geelong, August 2014. ANZSCO: Australian Bureau of Statistics: Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of
Occupations(1) Refers to full time and part time positions, includes vacancies for paid positions only, apprentices counted under qualified
profession (2) refers to positions that employers anticipate will emerge in 2015.
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au
GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Detailed Occupation Classification
as reported by regional businesses
Skill Shortage Positions(1)
ANZSCO Structure Groups
Current
2014
Anticipated
2015 (2)
1
0
1. Managers
13 Specialist Managers
Environmental Manager
1
14 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers
Retail Manager
2
0
2
Total Managers
3
0
6
2
Accountant
1
1
Tax Specialist Advisor
2
2. Professionals
22 Business, Human Resource and Marketing Professionals
Financial Advisor
1
Property Valuer
1
Marketing Manager
1
Technical Sales Representative
1
23 Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals
6
Architect
3
Building Surveyor
1
Graphic Designer
1
1
Civil Engineer
1
Marketing Engineer
1
24 Education Professionals
2
Specialist Researchers
1
University Academics
1
25 Health Professionals
18
Radiographer
28
1
Sonographer
1
Optometrist
1
Dermal Therapist
1
Myotherapist
1
Occupational Therapist
2
1
1
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Detailed Occupation Classification
cont….
Skill Shortage Positions(1)
Current
2014
Anticipated
2015 (2)
Physiotherapist
7
2
Podiatrist
1
1
ANZSCO Structure Groups
25 Health Professionals cont..
Speech Pathologist
1
General Practitioner
3
Registrar - Mental Health
1
Medical Specialist
1
1
Registrar - Emergency
1
Registrar - Obstetrics and Gynaecology
1
Radiologist
1
Midwife
1
Associate Nurse Manager
1
2
Clinical Nurse Specialist
2
1
Registered Nurse Aged Care
2
Registered Nurse Critical Care & Emergency
3
Registered Nurse Rehabilitation
Registered Nurse Medical
1
Registered Nurse Mental Health
1
Registered Nurse Surgical
1
Registered Nurse Neonatal
1
26 ICT Professionals
5
1
Information Technology Specialist
2
1
Programmer
3
27 Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals
4
Solicitor
10
2
Psychologist
3
Social Worker
2
Welfare Worker
6
1
Total Professionals
39
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44
GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Detailed Occupation Classification
cont….
Skill Shortage Positions(1)
ANZSCO Structure Groups
Current
2014
Anticipated
2015 (2)
9
4
3 Technicians and Trades Workers
31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians
Cardiac Technician
1
Theatre Technician
1
Architectural Draftsperson
2
Building Surveyor
2
Estimator
2
Civil Draftsperson
1
Maintenance Manager
2
IT Technicians 313000
1
1
12
1
32 Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers
Motor Mechanic
4
Diesel Mechanic
1
Mechanical Trades Person
1
Panel Beater
6
Vehicle Painter
1
33 Construction Trades Workers
8
7
Brick Layer
5
5
Joiner
2
2
Plasterer
1
34 Electro Technology and Telecommunications Trades Workers
1
5
Electrician
1
Business Machine Mechanic
2
Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
1
2
35 Food Trades Workers
15
6
Baker
3
2
Chef
8
2
Cook
4
2
5
3
39 Other Technicians and Trades Workers
Cabinet Maker
2
Hairdresser
3
3
50
26
Total Technicians and Trades Workers
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Detailed Occupation Classification
cont….
Skill Shortage Positions(1)
ANZSCO Structure Groups
Current
2014
Anticipated
2015 (2)
4
4
4. Community and Personal Workers
41 Health and Welfare Support Workers
Enrolled Nurse
1
Massage Therapist
2
1
Support Worker (Disability)
2
1
Lifestyle Officer
1
42 Carers and Aides
3
Dental Assistant
2
2
Personal Care Assistant
3
43 Hospitality Workers
9
Hospitality Staff
4
Waitstaff
5
43 Protective Service Workers
Security Guards
2
3
2
2
Private Investigator
1
45 Sports and Personal Service Workers
2
Beauty Therapist
1
2
Riding Instructor
1
Total Community and Personal Workers
11
19
5. Clerical and Administrative Workers
54 Inquiry Clerks and Receptionists
3
Receptionist
2
55 Numerical Clerks
Bookkeeper
1
Total Clerical and Administrative Workers
3
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Geelong Region Skill Shortages by Detailed Occupation Classification
cont….
Skill Shortage Positions(1)
Current
2014
ANZSCO Structure Groups
Anticipated
2015 (2)
6. Sales Workers
61 Sales Representatives and Agents
Front Office Sales
1
62 Sales Assistants and Salespersons
Retail Sales
1
Auto Dismantler
Total Sales Workers
2
1
2
3
7. Machinery Operators and Drivers
71 Machine Stationary Plant Operators
Engineering Production Worker
2
73 Road and Rail Drivers
Delivery Driver
Total Machinery Operators and Drivers
3
1
3
3
8. Labourers
81 Cleaners and Laundry Workers
Commercial Cleaners
3
Housekeeper
2
82 Construction and Mining Labourers
Fall Protection Installer
3
83 Factory Process Workers
Brewer
1
Food Production Worker
5
10
85 Food Preparation Assistants
Fast Food Cook
1
Kitchen Hand
1
Total Labourers
Overall Total:
11
15
119
113
Source: City of Greater Geelong, August 2014. ANZSCO: Australian Bureau of Statistics: Australian and New Zealand Standard
Classification of Occupations(1) Refers to full time and part time positions, includes vacancies for paid positions only, apprentices counted
under qualified profession (2) refers to positions that employers anticipate will emerge in 2015
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Methodology
In July 2014 the City of Greater Geelong surveyed regional employers regarding skill shortages in their
business.
A questionnaire was developed and distributed by mail and electronically to businesses across the Region
which includes the City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire and
Borough of Queenscliffe.
City of Greater Geelong Enterprise Geelong databases
Enterprise Geelong has a range of existing databases that it maintains or has access to.





Geelong Manufacturing and Processing Register and Geelong Business Services Register
(2+ employees)
Enterprise Geelong’s Internal contacts databases
Geelong Region Skilled Migration Project’s Health and Community Services database
Geelong Region Skilled Migration Project’s employer database
Healthy Together Geelong Database
TOTAL DISTRIBUTION (deleting 'double ups' and incomplete)


682
562
455
632
1978
3259
COMBINED MAILING DATABASE (23/7/2014)*
EMAIL ONLY (18/7/2014)
2956
303
Hardcopy questionnaires, and reply paid envelopes were mailed with a cover letter and gave the option to
complete the questionnaire online at
http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/council/yoursay/skillsurvey.aspx
Emailed recipients are given the link to complete the questionnaire online (as above)
* Employers for whom we had an email address (1349) were emailed prior to the hardcopy mail out
(18/7/2014) giving them the opportunity to complete the survey on line before 23/7/14. 35 Employers
completed the survey online by the deadline and were not mailed a hardcopy
Distributed by Email to Regional Cluster Networks for distribution to their members.
(included link to online survey as well as copy of Questionnaire attached)
Regional Cluster Networks.


BioGeelong ,
Engineering



ICT
Food
Agribusiness
City of Greater Geelong Networks
Enterprise Geelong utilised its networks and invited these organisations to distribute the questionnaire
to their members.
 Economic Development Units of regional
Councils.
 The Geelong Regional Alliance (G21)
 The Geelong Chamber of Commerce
 The Geelong Manufacturing Council
 Geelong Otway Tourism
 Central Geelong Marketing
 Enterprise Connect
 Industry Capability Network
 Geelong Region Vocation Education Council
 VECCI
 Smart Geelong Region Local Learning and
Employment Network (LLEN)
 Geelong Regional Trades and Labour Council
 Future Proofing Geelong
 The Department of Health
 Land Forces
In addition advertisements were placed in local newspapers and included in the City of Greater Geelong’s
City News email during the first two weeks of the campaign inviting businesses with regional skill
shortages to complete the survey on line.
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au
GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au
GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
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GEELONG REGION SKILL SHORTAGE REPORT 2014 – ENTERPRISE GEELONG
Enterprise Geelong
100 Brougham Street
Geelong Victoria 3220
PO Box 104, Geelong Victoria 3220
Telephone: 03 5272 4888 Facsimile: 03 5272 4855
Email: [email protected]
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au
www.enterprisegeelong.com.au