Hays Energy - July 2010
Hotspots
In Victoria, demand is increasing for Transmission and Distribution design candidates, yet there is a shortage of candidates with strong experience. In order to overcome this skills shortage, employers have widened their search, offering relocation packages to encourage candidates to move from interstate.
Increased spending by the utilities in Queensland has created a demand for Substation Engineers, with both primary and secondary experience.
In Western Australia, Electrical Design Engineers with T&D experience, Linespeople and Civil Engineers with energy transmission experience are all in demand. The increase in activity in the resources sector has generated requirements for power, with many projects requiring a dedicated energy source. The local utilities body is also upgrading its aging transmission and distribution networks, further fuelling the demand for staff.
In New South Wales demand has increased for HV Electricians across renewable (Hydro), and transmission and distribution. Acute Primary and Secondary Design Engineer shortages remain. Major alliances have begun to intensively recruit for substation infrastructure upgrades and we expect the civil jobs market to be affected by this.
The coming quarter
As reported last quarter, confidence is returning to the market. We expect an increase in both permanent and temporary recruitment over the quarter. Although as employers focus on growing their team, permanent recruiting will be more prevalent, driven by strategic growth and business development plans.
Employer trends
Counter offers continue to rise as organisations attempt to retain their skilled resigning staff.
In order to attract candidates, employers are exploring the option of sponsoring candidates from overseas once again.
Candidate trends
Candidates are becoming more willing to look at other roles and explore new opportunities. Those candidates who were hesitant to leave their present organisation six months ago are now exploring the opportunities available on the market.
