Dubbo, Western NSW and the Central West are set to see a dramatic shortage of skilled labour in the coming years, according to extensive new research by TAFE NSW.
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The construction, aged care, early childhood care and real estate industries are set to see the fastest growth from 2018-21, the research shows, with net employment predicted to grow by 1150 jobs.
But the labour force is only expected to grow by 400.
TAFE NSW deputy regional general manager Adam Bennett said the predicted job growth was due to a number of factors.
“The Central West, Far West and Orana regions have the highest skill shortage rates in NSW,” Mr Bennett said.
“Add to this our ageing population and there’s a number of large upcoming investments in the region, and these factors all open the doors to many exciting potential employment opportunities.”
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The health, wellbeing and community services sector is forecast to employ about 1670 additional workers (a four per cent increase) by 2021, while the technology and business service industry will add 1580 workers (3.6 per cent).
The number of real estate agents is forecast to increase by 10.2 per cent, while employment in infrastructure, energy and construction is predicted to grow by 1110 workers (2.7 per cent).
The ageing population will see an additional 200 aged care or disability carers from 2018-21.
Overall unemployment is set to fall three percentage points to 5.4 per cent.
“TAFE NSW is by far the biggest trainer of students in the Vocational Education and Training space in these growth areas in the Central West and Western NSW, making up 58 per cent of all VET enrolments in the region,” Mr Bennett said.
