THE INDUSTRY Skills Council, SkillsDMC says that the drilling sector will be affected by the ageing workforce, and drillers will be particularly in demand over the next five years.
The 2009 SkillsDMC Environmental Scan reports an estimated 25,000 new recruits will be needed each year to satisfy demand for vital roles currently held by workers nearing retirement.
SkillsDMC CEO, Des Caulfield says that the drilling, mining, quarry and civil infrastructure sectors are all accessing the same shrinking skills pool.
Caulfield says that irrespective of the downturn, the skills needed in this industry will continue to evolve due to technology, demand and industry standards.
The SkillsDMC report also shows that technological developments and the need to reduce carbon emissions will also increase the need for new skills in the future.
Caulfield says the responsibility of developing and maintaining the industry’s skills pool should be a joint effort. He says that there needs to be an integrated approach between industry and the Vocational Education & Training system to ensure training is driven by demand for skills.
Responding to this need, SkillsDMC will launch the industry’s first National Rationalised Training Package in late 2009.
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