Market Indicators: The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) 2024
The Occupation Shortage List (OSL), released annually by Jobs and Skills Australia, provides a vital assessment of occupations experiencing shortages across Australia, including insights at the state and territory levels. This comprehensive report offers a snapshot of the current labour market, highlighting significant areas where skills gaps impact industries and employment opportunities.
What are the Key Findings from the 2024 OSL?
Percentage of occupations in Shortage (%) in 2021 to 2024 OSL
Shortage Statistics: The 2024 OSL indicates that 33% of assessed occupations are in shortage, reflecting a slight decrease from 36% in 2023 but still higher than the 32% in 2022. This suggests ongoing challenges in addressing labour market needs.
Affected Sectors: Occupations in the healthcare, education, and construction sectors are particularly impacted. These shortages are largely attributed to:
An aging population requires more healthcare services.
Increased infrastructure demands across the country.
Persistent skills gaps in various industries.
Notable Occupations in the Shortage List
Some of the largest employing occupations currently facing shortages include:
Aged or Disabled Carers are essential for supporting an aging population. These roles are critical yet difficult to fill.
Primary and Secondary School Teachers: The education sector continues to struggle with recruitment, impacting the quality of education.
Truck Drivers are a vital component of the logistics and supply chain. Shortages here affect delivery and supply efficiency.
Electricians: With ongoing infrastructure projects, the demand for skilled electricians remains high.
These roles are crucial to Australia's economy and social infrastructure, highlighting the pressing need for effective recruitment strategies. Below are the top 20 largest employing shortage occupations in OSL in 2024.
| Occupation Title | Years in Shortage (from 2021 to 2024) |
|---|---|
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 4 |
| Primary School Teacher | 3 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 3 |
| Truck Driver (General) | 3 |
| Electrician (General) | 4 |
| Child Care Worker | 4 |
| Sales and Marketing Manager | 2 |
| Carpenter | 4 |
| Chef | 4 |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | 4 |
| Solicitor | 2 |
| Fitter (General) | 4 |
| Construction Project Manager | 4 |
| Software Engineer | 4 |
| Hairdresser | 4 |
| General Practitioner | 4 |
| Project Builder | 4 |
| Developer Programmer | 4 |
| Metal Fabricator | 4 |
| Personal Care Assistant | 4 |
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You
As Australia continues to grapple with the challenges of filling the labour shortage, the Occupation Shortage List is crucial in identifying where targeted training and support are necessary. By highlighting skills shortages and regional labour market trends, the OSL is vital for building a skilled workforce equipped to meet future demands. Contact us if you meet one of the occupations in the OSL list and wish to migrate to Australia. At Agape Henry Crux, our Accredited Specialist(s) Immigration Lawyers and our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.