Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released the 2023 Skills Priority List. The list provides a detailed view of occupations in shortage and the anticipated future demand for occupations in Australia.
JSA has found that 36% of occupations were in national shortage in 2023, which is higher than 2022, and shows a continuing tight labour market.
There were 66 occupations newly in shortage in 2023 concentrated mostly around high-skilled Professionals. There were 266 occupations in shortage in both 2022 and 2023; 47% were Professionals occupations, mostly related to health, engineering, information communication technology (ICT) and science roles. Another 33% were Technician and Trades Workers occupations.
Between 2021 and 2023, 138 occupations were commonly in shortage each year. Of these occupations, Professionals occupations made up 40% (55 out of 138), while Technician and Trades Workers roles comprised 49% (67 out of 138).
Occupations in shortage in the 2022 and 2023 Skills Priority Lists, by Major Occupation Group
Proportion of occupations in shortage on 2023 Skills Priority Lists, by Technician and Trades Worker occupation sub-group
Those occupations requiring a bachelor degree or higher qualification (skills level 1) were in greater demand in 2023 than in the previous year, but those with a vocational education and training qualification at Certificate III and Certificate IV (skills level 3) remains at 47%, higher than all other skills levels.
Proportion of occupations in shortage in the 2022 and 2023 Skills Priority Lists, by Skill Level
For more information on the Skills Priority List you can visit the JSA website to download the key findings report and online tool.
