Policy win for priority skills list

7 OCTOBER 2022

The recent release by the National Skills Commission of its annual priority list – the Priority Skilled Migration Occupation List (PMSOL) – reveals what the automotive industry has known for years: that trade positions across the automotive industry are in critically short supply.

This announcement means the Federal Government has finally acknowledged mechanics and skilled technicians are in short supply and should be added to the priority of skills needed for Australia. 

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) – along with members – has lobbied throughout 2022 to have mechanics added to the PMSOL. 

“The government has overlooked the automotive industry’s needs for many years despite severe skills shortages. So, VACC welcomes this recent and much needed change,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym. 

“Skills shortages affect many industries, highlighted by the 12-month jump from 153 to 286 occupations officially ‘in shortage’, according to the latest PMSOL.

“The automotive sector, however, has been particularly hard hit with 38,700 positions unfilled across Australia,” said Mr Gwilym. 

The situation is severe for light vehicle mechanic positions, with 23,904 positions unfilled. Unfilled positions in heavy vehicle mechanic (2,995), automotive electricians (1,790), panel beating (1,710), vehicle spray painter (1,650) and spare parts interpreters (1,380) also remain critical.

VACC recognises the updated list is a step in the right direction.

“The acknowledgement by Albanese Government that automotive positions remain in short supply is a promising start. VACC is hopeful this will inform future iterations of the PMSOL,” said Mr Gwilym.