When there aren't enough people with the specialist skills that are needed to do a particular kind of work, the result is known as a 'skill in demand' (you may also hear it described as a 'skills shortage'). For example, if a chemical engineering firm has four jobs available for chemical engineers, but only two qualified chemical engineers apply for those jobs, the other two jobs have to stay vacant, no matter how many other people apply.
Why are some skills in demand? There are lots of reasons why some skills are in demand, including:
The kind of skills in demand in can be very different from place to place. One area might have a demand for skilled hairdressers and horticulturists, while another might have a demand for doctors and childcare workers. How do I find out what skills are in demand? The Victorian Government has prepared a state-wide survey of skills in demand in regional Victoria. This survey outlines what kind of skills are in demand in different parts of Victoria. There's also a summary report that gives an overview of the entire project. Things to think about:
Where to go for more information: Start here - the Labour Market Information Portal on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace relations.
Employment Information
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