Occupations with gender imbalances, like ECEC, are more likely to have shortages

Recent analysis from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has found that occupations experiencing skills shortages – such as early childhood education and care (ECEC) – are likely to have significant gender imbalance in their workforce.

 

This works both ways.For more than half of the occupations in national shortage, such as metal fitters and machinists, mechanics, electricians and engineers, women make up less than 20 per cent of the total workforce. In fields and sectors which are dominated by women – such as nursing and early childhood – less than 20 per cent of the total workforce are male. 

 

The analysis from JSA shows that shortages are less common in occupations that don’t have such a large gender imbalance in their workforce such as the legal and accounting professions, sales and marketing managers and cafe and restaurant managers. 

 

According to Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor, the data points to a systemic problem for workers, business, and the economy.

 

“It may sound obvious, but when half of the population fails to be considered, skills shortages in the workforce can be exacerbated,” he said. 

 

“Acknowledging the gender imbalance in workplaces, behavioural barriers and improving workforce diversity in certain occupations will reduce the likelihood of skills shortages and open up the potential for improved wages and working conditions.”

 

“We need women to start seeing other women regularly in construction jobs and men seeing other men working in aged care facilities to encourage more people to follow that path. Because if you can’t see it, it’s hard to imagine being it.”

 

This is especially true for those completing apprenticeships, he continued. In response, the Government has committed to setting targets that will drive up demand for women participating in apprenticeships, traineeships and cadetships.

 

This includes the Australian Skills Guarantee, which will ensure that one in ten workers on major, Australian Government-funded projects are an apprentice, trainee or paid cadet. This will also include specific targets for women, as well as a focus on digital skills.