The gender imbalance of ECEC identified in latest Skills Priority List

Jobs and Skills Australia has released the latest version of the Skills Priority List (SPL) which shows that 36 per cent of all occupations assessed in Australia are in shortage.

Occupations with a strong gender imbalance are more likely to be in shortage, the SPL demonstrates. Female dominated workforce groups, including early childhood teachers (3 per cent male workforce), child carers (sic.) (3 per cent male workforce), and registered nurses (13 per cent male workforce).

Overall technicians and trade workers, and professional occupations (health, engineering, information communication technology (ICT) and science roles) have the highest shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas.

Released annually, the SPL provides a current assessment of the Australian labour market, including a detailed view of occupations in shortage and the anticipated future demand for occupations.

The increases over the last three years are being driven by the continued tightness in labour market conditions. While underlying drivers of shortages can vary across occupations, it is anticipated that these shortages reflect either a lack of people who have the essential technical skills or other (non-technical) qualities that employers consider are important; or those with the right technical skills and other qualities who aren’t willing to apply for the vacancies under current pay and working conditions.

In response to the challenges employers are facing finding workers with the right skills and experience, a range of strategies are being implemented, including restructuring their organisations, using migration programs and continuing to advertise vacant positions to attract more applicants.

Read the SPL Key Findings Report and explore the SPL online tool and discover more insights from this year’s release.

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