A recent audit has revealed an increasing gap in staffing and skills in the Queensland rail industry, with the problem expected to increase over the next year.
The audit, released by Rail Skills Australasia (RSA) earlier this month (July 12) , showed that a growth in investment into rail projects across the state was increasing demand in railway sector workers.
According to the report, railway construction work will total $11.3 billion dollars over the next five years – resulting in a workforce shortfall of 1,800 people in operational positions and at least 6,000 in rail construction.
Chief executive officer Paul Daly said RSA was committed to developing strategies to address the sector’s skill shortage problem, including encouraging more young people to enlist in training programs such as school-based apprenticeships.
“RSA has begun a number of industry-led initiatives to boost rail profile within Australia,” Mr Daly commented.
“We are developing stronger links with schools, as well as graduate and mentoring programs to groom young people in our country to develop skills that can the needs of the rail industry.”
Skills Queensland invested $120,000 to RSA for the development of the audit and has committed an additional $300,000 to facilitate critical existing worker training identified through the audit.
