Australia’s 2024 Occupation Shortage List (OSL), formerly known as the Skills Priority List, has been unveiled, offering an updated view of the country’s labour market dynamics. This essential tool for both employers and job seekers highlights professions that are facing significant shortages, where employers struggle to fill positions despite strong demand. Whether you’re looking to migrate to Australia or are already part of the workforce, the OSL provides valuable insights into the sectors that are in desperate need of skilled professionals.
What the 2024 OSL Reveals
The latest report shows that 33% of occupations (303 out of 916) are currently in national shortage, a slight decrease from the 36% reported in 2023. This minor dip points to a gradual softening of the overall labour market. However, certain key sectors continue to grapple with acute shortages and understanding these trends can be a game-changer for both employers and skilled professionals considering their career paths.
Top Occupations in Shortage
In 2024, the five most in-demand occupations are:
- Aged or Disabled Carers
- Primary School Teachers
- Secondary School Teachers
- Truck Drivers
- Electricians
These roles are critical to Australia’s social and economic infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing demand for skilled workers in education, healthcare and logistics sectors. If you possess expertise in any of these fields, this could be a pivotal time to explore career opportunities in Australia.
The Impact of Gender and Age on Workforce Shortages
One of the standout findings in the 2024 OSL is the correlation between gender distribution and workforce shortages. Occupations with a highly skewed gender representation, where men or women make up at least 80% of the workforce, are far more likely to experience shortages. On the other hand, industries with a more balanced gender split—at least 20% representation of both men and women—tend to experience fewer shortages. This indicates that promoting diversity within workplaces could significantly reduce labour market pressures and make these industries more resilient.
In addition to gender balance, age inclusiveness plays a crucial role in addressing shortages. The report found that sectors with higher representation of mature workers (those over 30% aged 50 or older) are less likely to face worker shortages compared to industries where mature workers make up less than 10% of the workforce. In an ageing population like Australia’s, these findings emphasize the need for employers to embrace older workers and leverage their skills and experience.
Employer Recruitment Strategies
Despite the talent shortage, the report highlights an interesting trend among employers. About 73% of businesses continue to advertise job vacancies in the same places even after struggling to fill positions for an extended period. Surprisingly, only 1% of employers adjusted pay to attract candidates, preferring to focus on non-remuneration recruitment strategies. This points to a critical gap in understanding what motivates job seekers, as competitive pay can be a key factor in attracting the right talent.
Shaping Australia’s Future Workforce
The 2024 OSL provides crucial data that will shape future training, funding, and policy decisions aimed at meeting Australia’s evolving labour needs. The findings underscore the importance of focusing on workforce diversity, age inclusiveness, and innovative recruitment strategies. These insights will not only help employers but also offer guidance to those planning to upskill or migrate to Australia in high-demand sectors.
The OSL tool itself has been improved with a metropolitan shortage rating, offering more granularity by providing data on national, regional, and state-level shortages. Additionally, the introduction of a skill-level filter makes it easier for users to navigate the tool and find relevant occupations that match their qualifications.
How Siva Visa Can Help You Navigate Skilled Migration
At Siva Visa, we understand the complexities of skilled migration and how important it is to align your career with Australia’s workforce needs. As a registered MARA agent, we provide expert guidance to help you navigate the visa application process, ensuring that you’re well-positioned for success. Whether you’re a marketing specialist, an interior designer, or an educator, our team will help you assess your eligibility, prepare your documents, and make your Australian dream a reality. Let us be your trusted partner in securing the Skilled Migration Visa, and take the next step towards your future in Australia.
Reach Out,
India: +91 9553 030 030
Australia: +61 433 502 589, +61 433 218 963
Email: enquiry@sivavisa.com
