Queensland's Coal Seam Gas Industry Faces Skilled Worker Shortage

The Queensland coal seam gas industry is bracing itself for a significant challenge in finding skilled workers to support its future growth, according to a recent report by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and Energy Skills Queensland. The report emphasizes the need for 9,200 workers to build the current projects and a long-term requirement of 18,000 staff. The industry faces stiff competition for skilled labor from other mining projects in Australia and internationally, with 40 in-demand occupations including welders, pipe fitters, construction workers, and electrical and instrumentation specialists.

Key Takeaways:

• The Queensland coal seam gas industry requires 9,200 workers to build current projects and 18,000 staff for the long term, highlighting a pressing skilled worker shortage.
• The industry faces significant competition for skilled labor from other mining projects in Australia and internationally.
• 40 occupations are in high demand, including welders, pipe fitters, construction workers, electrical, and instrumentation specialists.
• The low apprentice retention rates and the ageing workforce are major concerns within the industry.
• The state government has invested A$10 million in an industry training fund to address the skills shortage.
• A workforce development program office has been established in Brisbane as part of efforts to address the shortage.
• 2,000 people have registered their interest in working in the industry, with plans to divert them into training.

Statistics:

• 9200 workers required to build the current coal seam gas projects.
• 18,000 staff needed for the long term to support the industry.
• 2000 people have registered their interest in working in the industry.
• The state government has invested A$10 million (US$10.03 million) in an industry training fund.
• A$5 million has been allocated for a similar project.

Sources:

• "Skilled worker shortage could hamper coal seam gas growth". Asia Pulse, November 4.

(Reference to original text)

• Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and Energy Skills Queensland's report (no specific date mentioned in the source).