Recruitment specialist Hays has released its quarterly report into skills and workforce demand, concluding that the construction sector is currently awash with high-level candidates on the market.

The report found that delivery teams are being run lean in reaction to market conditions, meaning that candidates ‘must be able to demonstrate a broad skill set and be prepared to take on extra duties to give them a competitive edge’.

The report found the following skills and positions are in high demand:

NT

Surveyors – As new projects are coming on line in various industries, candidates in surveying are in demand.

Supervisors and Safety Officers – More safety professionals are needed people to oversee the increasing workforce in the Northern Territory Construction sector. Supervisors are particularly needed in civil, construction and mechanical disciplines.

Electrical PMs – A shallow candidate pool here means a need to bring in candidates interstate for new projects including residential developments and commercial projects.

Estimators – New companies coming into the market need local estimators to keep tenders competitive.

WA
Commercial Construction Estimators – The need for experienced Commercial Estimators remains strong in Perth and Western Australia as a whole and is being driven by a number of projects coming on line in the coming months such as Elizabeth Quay and the Citi Link Projects. These projects, although currently in the civil engineering phase, will drive the tender process for all the top tier contractors based in Perth. Due to the nature of the Perth market experienced Estimators with an understanding of the local construction market and sub-contractors are in high demand.

Residential Construction Estimators – The Residential housing market in Perth and surrounding areas is likely to see continued growth again with numerous projects coming on line in the next 12 months. These projects include Alkimos, 40km north of Perth, and various smaller projects South of Perth in the Mandurah which are being driven by a steady increase in population in Western Australia. These projects will fuel the demand for intermediate and senior residential estimation staff in Perth.

Contract Administrators – Contract administration staff have always been in demand in Perth and Western Australia, however, employers are looking for previous local experience, particularly in dealing with local sub-contractors. The shortage of Contract Administrators at all levels is mainly due to many candidates ultimately looking to move into project management. However, a Senior Contract Administrator’s salary package can be significantly higher than a Project Manager in the metro market.

Project Managers – With the increase in commercial building projects ranging from Hotels to mixed-use developments in Perth, we will see an increased demand for project management staff for the top-tier contractors. These companies are looking for Project Managers from like-for-like companies and initially will be driven by the need for local staff. However, companies will soon look further afield for qualified individuals potentially from the eastern states and those moving back from working in the North West of the state.

Senior Site Managers – Senior Site Managers and Package Managers on large projects will again be in demand as the Perth Metro projects come on line. Also another driving factor in the market will be the increase in Shopping Centre buildings due to start in the New Year the first being the $300 million Joondalup Shopping Centre. As with all large projects of this type experienced Senior Site Managers and Package Managers will be in demand and will be needed from various backgrounds, including structures and fit-out.

Public Sector

Project Managers and Project Coordinators – supporting the project managers as above. These candidates are the most sought in the public sector because they are needed to run fit-out and building projects as budgets permit. Project Coordinators are also sought to support the managers.

Facilities Managers and Facilities Coordinators – In consistent demand, Facilities Managers are required to run churn, relocation and general maintenance projects. Facilities Coordinators are also used by corporate employers to manage day-to-day maintenance issues.

Maintenance Supervisors (NSW) – A newer area within the Social Housing arena, demand for these candidates is on the increase in assets by the housing providers as part of a NSW reallocation scheme.