Demand remains high within transmission and distribution and in particular the primary and secondary substation design areas as large capital works programs create substation builds and upgrade projects, according to the latest Hays Quarterly Report, for the July-September quarter.

 

This is most obvious in New South Wales, while in Queensland the upgrading of the electrical grid to cope with the demand of the mining sector has also created demand for Primary and Secondary Engineers as well as Linesmen/women and Electrical Engineers for substation, switchgear and power generation projects.

 

In South Australia, Primary and Secondary Substation Designers, Design Managers and HV Project Engineers are sought given an overall increase in power demand, new major infrastructure projects (including growth in the state's mining sector), new residential construction and finally the meeting of Clean Energy targets.

 

Candidates with design and project management experience in transmission and distribution remain in strong demand in Victoria given the lack of skills in the industry coupled with the increasing number of projects.

 

In Western Australia, Electrical Project Engineers and Electrical Design Engineers with generation or transmission and distribution experience are sought. In regional Western Australia there are at least two major new power stations being built and there is also a major focus on upgrading the transmission network in Perth.

 

Overcoming skills shortages

Employers are still trying to secure talent locally, although we are starting to see more businesses open up the doors to overseas candidates in response to the domestic shortage of particular skills. Overseas recruitment campaigns, such as through Hays' global network, are successfully attracting candidates from the UK for extremely difficult to fill roles, and employers are more open to sponsorship for candidates with strong skills.

 

Employers are also prepared to increase salaries in response to high demand for skilled professionals. This is most obvious in South Australia, where employers are now offering salaries that are more in line with those available in the Eastern states and Western Australia in order to better compete for talent.

 

The coming quarter

Hays expects to see ongoing permanent and temporary vacancy activity within the transmission and distribution industry as employers strengthen their existing team. We expect vacancy activity to rise in the power generation industry once the carbon tax to industries is announced publicly, with upgrade projects on the horizon to reduce power station emissions.

 

Employer trends

As noted above, employers are more willing to sponsor candidates. They are also moving very quickly when they see a candidate with skills in a shortage area since they are aware of the competition for such skills.

 

Employers are reviewing their salaries and offering increases in response to applicant availability, which remains a huge challenge for Australia's energy sector. As the 2011 Hays Salary Guide shows, high demand is pushing salaries up around the country, for both permanent and contract personnel.

 

Timing is an issue, with many employers needing candidates immediately to fulfil project requirements. While salaries are rising, it is not enough to meet demand.

 

Candidate trends

Candidates are aware of the demand for their skills and they also know that competitive salaries are on offer. Hays has noted a higher number of candidates move from permanent to contract roles in order to secure premium rates. In addition, top quality candidate levels are decreasing and those candidates that are available expect high salaries in response to the demand for their skills.

 

The only exception is in the power generation space, particularly the wind industry, where Hays has observed an increase in candidates given the slowdown in new projects and investment.

 

Senior candidate are increasingly prepared to look at new opportunities as they believe the market is now far more secure.