Engineers Australia chief engineer Jane MacMaster says the shortage of engineers is the worst she has ever seen, while tens of thousands of engineers will be needed over the next few years. However, MacMaster also says that 40% of skilled migrant engineers in Australia are currently not working as engineers, and she says that one of the top priorities of the upcoming jobs summit should be getting these people into jobs that match their skill levels:
“We need tens of thousands of engineers within the next few years.”
Ms MacMaster said the biggest barrier to matching migrant engineers with jobs appeared to be reluctance by employers to take the “risk” of engaging with the visa system.
