Engineers Top Recruiters’ Skills Shortages List

If you’re considering a career in engineering, now is the time to act. According to the latest labour market insights, engineers are once again leading Australia’s national skills shortage list, with demand soaring across multiple disciplines—from civil and electrical to environmental and systems engineering.

In a period of economic recovery and ongoing infrastructure investment, engineering is not just in demand—it’s essential. Permanent hiring rates are also trending upward, suggesting growing employer confidence and long-term job security for skilled professionals.

Permanent Hiring on the Rise

Recent reports from the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA) show a continued increase in permanent placements across Australia’s recruitment industry. While contractor roles remain significant, more employers are investing in long-term talent—particularly in critical shortage areas like engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades.

Julie Mills, CEO of the RCSA, explains: “A rise in permanent hiring is a strong indicator of business confidence. Employers are planning for the future, and that’s good news for jobseekers ready to upskill or shift into a more stable career path.”

Top 10 Most In-Demand Occupations in Australia (2025)

Based on current recruitment trends and government forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, here are the most in-demand occupations nationally:

1. Professional engineers (civil, electrical, mechanical, structural)
2. Healthcare professionals (including general practitioners, psychologists)
3. Registered nurses and aged care specialists
4. Engineering technicians and associates
5. Construction and infrastructure professionals
6. Allied health and medical technicians
7. Construction trades (plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers)
8. Electrical and electronics trades (non-building)
9. Business analysts and digital transformation professionals
10. Electricians and building electrical trades

Want to future-proof your career? Browse our nationally recognised online courses to train in one of these high-demand fields.

Why Engineering Tops the List

From nation-building infrastructure to clean energy innovation, engineers are crucial to solving Australia’s most pressing challenges. Ongoing investment in areas like transport, energy transition, and defence has made engineering one of the most resilient and future-focused careers.

Some of the fastest-growing engineering specialties include:

• Civil and structural engineering
• Electrical and power systems engineering
• Environmental and sustainability engineering
• Software and systems engineering
• Mechanical and industrial design engineering

Graduates are in demand across government, consulting firms, construction companies, energy providers, and tech startups. Many roles also offer strong salary growth, remote flexibility, and pathways to global career opportunities.

It’s a Good Time to Upskill

As permanent hiring rebounds and the economy continues to diversify, now’s the perfect time to develop skills that align with national workforce priorities. Whether you’re switching careers or boosting your current qualifications, flexible study options make it easier than ever to retrain while you work.

Top areas to study:

• Engineering and technology
• Health and aged care
• Construction and project management
• Business and digital transformation
• Cybersecurity and data analytics

Need government support? Visit CareerFAQs FEE-Help to explore HELP loans, subsidies, and fee-free TAFE options available in your state.

Start Your Journey Toward an In-Demand Career

Don’t wait for the market to settle. Skilled professionals are in short supply, and employers are hiring now. Whether you’re ready to study full-time or part-time, Career FAQs connects you with Australia’s best online and flexible training options.

Explore in-demand courses now and start building a career that’s future-proof, flexible, and fulfilling.