The boom experienced in the Australian construction industry in 2014 is
expected to continue into 2015, says the latest Hays Quarterly Report for January
to March 2015.
Approvals for new medium and high-density housing projects in Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth in 2014 will create jobs for skilled tradespeople
and engineers in the year ahead, according to recruiting experts Hays
Construction. Project Managers, Structures Forepersons and Commercial
Contract Administrators will be in demand for these projects.
Adam Shapley, Regional Director of Hays Construction observes that the surge
in approvals for residential developments in 2014 will lead to greater recruitment
activity in the construction sector. The buoyant Queensland market is seeing
increased investment in land development for both residential and
commercial use. The sector also has the support of the Queensland Government through
first home buyer/builder grants as well as easier procedures for development
application approvals.
According to Mr Shapley, companies gearing up for more construction
activity this year will be appointing new commercial staff such as Project Managers
and Commercial Contract Administrators on a permanent basis. There will also be
a slight increase in demand for temporary staff on smaller residential projects
beginning early this year.
The construction boom of 2013 saw a significant number of commercial
office staff move from Queensland to New South Wales, leaving the region with a
shortage of suitable candidates. Commercial Contract Administrators are
required for legal paperwork, subcontractor management and building materials
procurement to ensure projects remain profitable. Larger projects will see an
increase in the demand for site staff such as Structures and Finishes
Forepersons.
Other roles in demand include Project Engineers with experience on
projects valued over $100 million and Residential Building Supervisors who can
work in South-East Queensland and Victoria.
According to Hays Construction, the public sector market continues
to be driven by temporary contracts; however, longer contracts are now being
offered (6-12 months) in some states.
Companies in South Australia are preparing for a
better 2015 by hiring more permanent staff including Commercial Administrators and Estimators.
