Project managers, contract administrators, estimators, site and civil engineers, and site managers are in high demand, specialist recruitment agency Hays says...
THE future of
But
Employers are tied up with the day-to-day demands of building infrastructure for a booming economy and a population growing by 70,000 a year.
So many firms are handing the reigns over to specialised recruitment firms.
Simon Bristow – who is regional director of construction, property, resources and mining for Hays in
“Candidate shortages are reaching peak levels across the board as the talent pool continues to drain,” he said.
“Many firms struggle to fill vacancies and candidates often receive more than one job offer.
“Current levels of demand present significant opportunities for candidates looking for work, however for construction firms, mines, suppliers and consultants, recruiting in areas of extreme shortages can be challenging.”
Mr Bristow said candidate shortages existed across the construction, infrastructure and mining industries but there were hot spots of jobs in demand.
“Within the construction industry, project managers are the key area of demand,” he said.
“Senior project managers are rare and as contractor workloads increase, the need for these critical staff is only increasing.”
“Candidates are required to have a degree in construction management and contract administration experience, but the number of candidates with this experience is rare.
“Contract administrators are also required. Similarly to project managers, contract administrators are needed to cover the financial reporting for major multi-million dollar projects, however candidates with solid skills and experience are few and far between.
“Estimators are crucial to generate work for the business since a good estimator will help win projects. Graduates often seek contract administration rather than estimating roles, further heating the need for these skills.
“Site engineers and site managers are also required in light of the large amount of major project activity.”
Mr Bristow said civil engineers were most in demand within the resources and mining construction market.
“The unprecedented increase in infrastructure projects means many civil engineers who would previously have worked on site in regional mines are choosing to work closer to home where comparable salaries are now on offer,” he said.
“For civil engineers chasing higher salaries,
“For similar reasons, demand is also high for candidates in project services, from estimators to contract administrators, cost engineers and project controls managers.
“This area of engineering support ensures that projects run to schedule in a cost efficient manner.
“Historically, and in smaller projects, discipline project engineers would cover these projects services within their daily duties. However as companies become more aware of the value of further specialisation within projects services, demand has increased while supply has stayed stagnant.”
“In addition to the drawcards of
Mr Bristow said despite the skills shortage, employers still searched for “certain qualities”.
“Typically clients ask us for candidates with good experience and a solid track record,” he said.
“If the role is not site-based, then a relevant degree in construction management of quantity surveying is required.
“Employers are also wary of candidates that change employers too often as they assume their tenure will be short. Candidates with two or more years experience with each previous employer are consequently sought.”
Mr Bristow said resources and mining employers looked for previous experience in the resources, oil or gas markets. He said, alternately, they looked for heavy industrial experience, such as the construction of water treatment plants, large-scale manufacturing plants or power stations.
Mr Bristow said employers were offering market-leading salaries in return.
“Rates have increased significantly over the last three years, and cars and bonuses are now standard in any package,” he said.
“Interstate employees typically receive relocation costs and rent assistance for their first few weeks.
“Resources employers offer a site allowance of 20-35 % for roles on remote locations and attractive fly-in fly-out (FIFO) rosters.
“While most Western Australian rosters are four weeks on and one week off, meaning workers do not see their family for four weeks at a time, Queensland rosters are usually 10 days on and four days off, which allows candidates to return home every second week.”
Mr Bristow offered his advice to candidates wanting to take advantage of the construction and infrastructure boom.
“We advise you to gain exposure on commercial and civil projects, which provide the best launching pad into the construction sector,” he said.
“If you are looking for construction work in the resources and mining market, then exposure to heavy industrial projects will pro-vide your best entry point.
“We also advise candidates to look at the broad range of opportunities, rather than solely focusing on large companies.
“In the current market, medium level firms are winning good-sized projects and can often offer higher levels of responsibility and advancement opportunities compared to larger organisations.”
Mr Bristow said Hays Construction and Property was a leader in specialist recruitment to the built environment.
“Every day we recruit the specialist people needed to deliver projects on time and to budget“
From permanent project managers to skilled temporary carpenters, our database of professionals and vacancies is unequalled,” he said.
Mr Bristow said Hays Resources and Mining serviced the mining, heavy industrial, bulk chemical production, power and primary industries, recruiting from trades level up to executive appointments.
“We have built lasting relationships with the key players in the mining and heavy industrial sector, ranging from engineering companies to contractors and large mining principals,” he said.
“The benefits of working with us are simple: we have the market contacts, industry expertise, site presence and reliable track record to deliver every time.”