Four out of five companies in Western Australia plan to hire migrants to help fill skills gaps. According to a report by KPMG, 61% of employers said that they had been affected by a shortfall in skilled labour.
The number of temporary 457 visa holders in WA rose by 85% in July this year, compared with the same period in the previous year. The increase in skilled migration visas has drawn some criticism, with concern about a culture developing in which employers turn to 457 visa workers rather than training their own workers, but many see great benefits from skilled migration.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) advised the Australian Government’s employment taskforce recently that it feels skilled workers boost the resources sector with their valuable skills and experience.
