How Australia can stop suffering with skilled shortages

Temporary and contract recruitment has always been reliant on working holiday visas. From my experience, before the pandemic, it was rare to see Australian residents placed in temporary business support roles. The temporary visa holder’s ratio certainly would outweigh Australians in temporary assignments. Things have changed, the proportions have flipped, and due to skill shortages and limited temporary visa holders, the majority of workers in temporary assignments are Australian. 

There have been pros and cons. With more extensions and temporary to permanent offers, it has been a great opportunity for people to try new roles and industries, giving candidates the flexibility to tailor and adjust their careers. On the downside, there are not enough candidates to consider for temporary and contract roles. Staff shortages have already put a massive strain on businesses, some having to close, and for those who have stayed open, it has added pressure on existing members of staff.

With findings from the Australian Bureau of statistics, birth rates have fallen in Australia to one of its lowest in history. Many job boards and employment statistics have clearly shown that we are in a huge talent shortage across the country, yet there are no changes to permanent options for those who have spent years of their lives living and working in Australia, paying taxes, and contributing to the economy.

The working holiday visa offers people aged between 18 – 30 from several countries the opportunity to live and work in Australia, with the option to extend another potential 2 years after completing 88 days of regional work each year. After this, you would have to find another way to stay on another visa or leave. There are also short term and medium-term skilled visas on offer for specific jobs, with only a very small handful offering permanent working rights. 

The increase of overseas workers would ease the pressure for staff requirements, heavily contribute to the economy and create prosperity for Australia. Offering people a short stay after building their lives and careers in Australia can be very unsettling for many and could be a major factor as to why we continue to struggle to find talent.