Project deadlines set to suffer under labour shortages

Despite the strong outlook for the mining, engineering and construction industries, boom sectors are facing candidate shortages in 2012, according to the 13th edition of the Global Salary Survey by international recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

Significant expansion and development of new and existing resource projects saw a steady rise in hiring across all sectors, and is expected to continue well into 2012. However, with the post natural disaster rebuild and a significant number of specialist projects in the works, the industry is struggling to ensure availability of skilled professionals to meet its business needs.

Robert Walters' Manager – Mining & Engineering, Adam Harris said, "The skilled labour shortage is a real concern to the resource industry as it affects their ability to meet production deadlines. Large skills gaps are set to emerge as new resources and major construction projects commence in 2012. The industry needs people with very specific skills and by becoming more selective, it is increasingly harder to equip teams with the right capabilities. As a result we expect employers to increasingly look overseas to fill the talent gaps."

The survey also found that due to the specialist skill sets that are required, salaries are expected to increase steadily, with professionals in mining operations and site-based engineering roles to set to see the biggest increases.

Now in its 13th year, the Robert Walters Global Salary Survey is the most comprehensive of its kind. Compiled by the company's dedicated research team and covering all 23 countries and disciplines in which Robert Walters specialises, the latest edition offers an overview of salaries and recruitment trends from 2011, as well as those expected in 2012.

For more information please contact Lillian Hafez on +61 2 8289 3237 or lillian.hafez@robertwalters.com.au

About Robert Walters
Robert Walters is one of the world's leading global recruitment consultancies, specialising in the placement of permanent, contract and temporary positions across all levels of seniority.
Our teams of professional consultants are renowned for their professionalism, integrity and exceptional recruitment consultancy services. Using a flexible approach to recruitment, we are committed to matching client needs to candidate aspirations to create mutual benefit for both. In Australia we have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Chatswood, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.