Queensland’s new gas industry: dawn of a new, skilled workforce??

The recent announcement by BG Group, that it will invest $US15 billion over the next 4 years in the Queensland Curtis LNG Project, has been excitedly received by Government & industry alike. Not only is this a major win for Australia in the bid to produce cleaner and cheaper energy, but a monetary injection of this magnitude will have significant positive effects on our economy - namely within the employment sector.

With an estimated 6000 newly created jobs over the next 4 years, the Queensland job market is looking strong. Or is it? When considering the LNG industry and those that work in it, one must realise the highly skilled nature of the work being done. This means a highly skilled workforce is needed to support it. So how will we cope? Forrest Briggs, Principal Consultant at RecruitR, has the answer. He says "With the creation of so many jobs we are excited about the jobs created for Australians, though to find enough skilled workers we are hoping that employers will consider sponsoring suitably qualified applicants from overseas, which in recent times they have been hesitant to do ". Given the current state of Australia's skills shortage, this approach would bring highly sought-after, specialised workers to Queensland, building a strong foundation for the success of the project. This approach would also guarantee that money is re-invested back into our economy, as employees live and work locally.

This could be the tip of the iceberg for Queensland's minerals and energy sector, so it is important that those involved get it right from the start. A rich, bright, booming economy is almost within our grasp, hinging only on the ability of the workforce we are to provide. And we can provide it, if employers are willing to look outside the square when it comes to hiring. Sponsoring a qualified candidate from overseas might be the answer many companies, and industries, are looking for. Introducing new skills within a team could create new opportunities and lead to the discovery of new profit channels.

We are competing in a world market, so what better way of taking advantage of this than to invite the world's best to join us, here? For those skilled workers who come, Queensland provides a rich canvas to live and learn, while we gain specialist knowledge and training in return. Queensland's mining industry should keep in mind of the importance of this.