In its Horizon 2032 report, Construction Skills Queensland outlines the labour shortfall limiting Queensland’s ability to build new infrastructure
Construction Skills Queensland has released its Horizon 2032 report, where it imagines Queensland’s future construction workforce.
Over the next eight years, the total construction pipeline is forecast to range from $53 billion to $77 billion, with a peak demand for labour of 156,000 in 2026–2027.
Occupations such as earthmoving plant operators and structural steel construction workers will be heavily in demand over the next eight years, alongside tradies, crane operators and civil engineers. However, there is an anticipated average shortfall of 18,200 construction workers during this period, highlighting the need to address labour shortages.
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With population growth, the net zero transition and Olympic Games infrastructure expected to drive demand for construction across the state, the report highlights how the ever-growing gap between the construction pipeline and construction done means issues such as how to attract women and more apprentices into the construction workforce along with high construction costs are front of mind.
“As Queensland navigates this sustained period of construction activity, a proactive approach to workforce planning and capacity building will be essential to ensuring the industry remains resilient and capable of delivering the state’s ambitious infrastructure agenda,” Construction Skills Queensland says.
It is critical to find new ways to encourage more entrants to join the construction industry. Migration alone cannot resolve the issue. To keep pace with the ambitious construction pipeline, an equally ambitious workforce and skills development plan is needed to prevent project delays.”
For the full report, visit: https://www.csq.org.au/knowledge-centre/