Employment

Engineers Australia’s skills recovery roadmap Welders urge a radical approach to jobs, skills

Engineers Australia has released an engineering skills recovery plan. The report, Strengthening the Engineering Workforce, highlights the need for industry, as well as government, tertiary education, and professional associations to collaborate to overcome policy challenges to make lasting changes.

Engineers Australia CEO, Romilly Madew AO, said the need to balance supply with demand for engineers is a complex and long-term endeavour.

“We know challenges with skilled migration, lack of local engineering graduates and plummeting rates of students taking up STEM subjects are factors,” she said.

The five main elements of what Engineers Australia sees as a long-term solution are: collaborative investment in young people and schools; industry-led development of early career graduates; recognition of the value of women and migrant engineers, and community awareness of the engineering profession.

The engineering skills recovery plan has identified actions to be taken by industry, government and the tertiary sector. The plan’s to-do list for industry is: • Driving initiatives within companies to support the retention of engineers in the workforce • Supporting skilled migrant engineers with employment opportunities by addressing barriers identified in

Engineers Australia’s research report • Offering mid-career engineers a senior ‘sponsor’ to help develop their career pathway • Partnering with schools to support school STEM programs and provide opportunities for early career engineers to engage the next generation of

engineers • Providing internships and graduate programs. Engineers Australia’s guidelines for providing work experience to engineering students can help industry offer a rewarding experience

Engineers Australia chief engineer Jane MacMaster stressed that with skyrocketing engineering job vacancies, a looming emissions reduction deadline, and an economic recovery, “… the effective use of all available engineers must be considered a national strategic imperative.” “Our economy and communities are more reliant on the engineering profession than ever before, and we need to ensure we have enough engineers to design solutions for society’s most complex problems,” MacMaster said. W eld Australia is calling for an actionable plan to mitigate the severe welding skills shortage which threatens business and national progress, including infrastructure and goals such as the government’s commitments to meet energy targets.

“Australia does not have the welders to deliver the nation’s critical energy, defence, rail and infrastructure projects,” said Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia.

Weld Australia estimates that, unless action is taken now, Australia will be 70,000 welders short by 2030. It is a global problem: the US will face a shortage of 500,000 welders by 2030, and Japan estimates a shortfall of 250,000 welders by 2050.

Weld Australia’s membership of professional welders contributes to most facets of the Australian economy.

“If Australia does not act now, we will be unable to deliver on the Federal Government’s promises, like renewable energy targets that require fabrication of wind towers, solar panel structures, hydrogen plants and battery processing plants. Access to the global supply chain for fabricated steel products is a high-risk and expensive proposition.”

Weld Australia proposes a radical overhaul of welding apprenticeships and tapping into hidden sources of talent.

Overhaul of welding apprenticeships

The existing Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication) is a nominal 720 hours of face-to-face TAFE training interspersed with practical experience as an apprentice spread over three years. Weld Australia proposes the course be condensed into one year, with the existing training package taught in two 24-week blocks.

Once the course is completed, competency will be assessed and the Certificate III qualification awarded. Graduates will then be required to qualify to the International Standard for Welding Competency (ISO 9606).

“The shorter course will seem less daunting to school leavers and will encourage mature-aged applicants. Training will be more intensive and is likely to be more efficient. The number of apprentices graduating will increase, and the skills of welders will increase dramatically,” said Crittenden.

Engineers Australia CEO, Romilly Madew

Engineers Australia

engineersaustralia.org.au

Tapping into hidden talent sources

An analysis of people identifying as welders indicates that less than half have formal welding qualifications. Clearly, there are a significant number of welding jobs that require practical competence or welding skills set without necessarily having the full range of trade skills.

Weld Australia has had success in offering Skill Set training—based on existing Units of Competency in the Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication)—to disadvantaged Australians. This training ultimately leads to employment as a welder.

Weld Australia proposes that a series of courses covering basic welding Skill Sets are funded and included within the scope of all RTOs teaching welding.

“A change in the immigration quota may offset the skills shortage but it will not solve the problem. We must tap into often unrecognised sources of talent by offering a learning pathway to those who often feel estranged from the skilled employment market: the longterm unemployed, women, Indigenous Australians, those serving prison sentences, employees transitioning from carbon-based industries, and others.”

WE ARE EXPANDING OUR TEAM! JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! “Setting the standard for Quality & Value”

About Hare & Forbes

Established in 1930, Hare & Forbes has been one of the largest suppliers of engineering, automotive, wood working and workshop equipment to the Australian and New Zealand markets for over 90 years. With over 180 employees and supply branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne & Perth we provide unparalleled service to the general public, business, industry and government. Our staff are a dedicated team of professionals, committed to ensuring the very best in customer service and quality. Established 1930

SYDNEY

Location: Northmead

SHEET METAL SALESPERSON

THE ROLE > Specialise in selling Sheet Metal Working equipment and need to have experience as a Machinist, Sheet Metal Worker or Coach Builder. We will offer on the job training to the right person to help them grow into the role. The duties of the role are as follows: • Telephone and Counter Sales. • Computerised quoting and invoicing. • Managing outstanding orders. • Assist customers to choose the best product for their needs. • Customer relationship building with ongoing customer service. • Utilising organisational and problem-solving skills

STOREPERSON

($28-30 AN HOUR + OT)

THE ROLE > Responsible for the control of receiving and dispatch of goods in our Sydney branch. The successful candidate will oversee accepting deliveries, unloading of trucks and couriers, unpacking sorting and checking goods are correctly identified with stock codes and conduct stocktakes. The duties of this role are as follows: • You will be accepting deliveries, unpacking, sorting and checking goods received for quality, type or size. • Maintain up to date records of goods within the store. • Assemble goods to satisfy orders, requisitions or schedules, including re-packing where appropriate. • Using RF scanners for pick and pack, loading of stock and machinery. • Ensure holdings of goods in containers and/or arrange dispatch to other locations. • Distribute goods to authorized persons and complete relevant documentation/records. • Other responsibilities will include coordinating paperwork systems and procedures, improving storage methods and housekeeping and assisting in the dispatch area when required.

JUNIOR MACHINERY SALESPERSON

THE ROLE > We are looking for a Salesperson who will need to have experience as either a Fitter and Machinist, Sheet Metal Worker or Coach Builder. We will offer on the job training to the right person to help them grow into the role.The duties of the role are as follows: • Telephone and Counter Sales • Computerised quoting and invoicing • Managing outstanding orders • Assist customers to choose the best product for their needs • Customer relationship building with ongoing customer service • Utilising organisational and problem solving skills

BRISBANE

Location: Coopers Plains

SERVICE TECHNICIAN MACHINE TOOLS

THE ROLE > Reporting to the Service Manager, this position involves all aspects of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic fitting both within the workshop and our customer’s place of business. The successful candidate will perform duties consisting of but not limited to the inspection, commissioning, installation, repair and maintenance of industrial machinery. The duties of the role are as follows: • Mechanical repair and breakdown maintenance of industrial machinery. • Installation and commissioning of industrial machinery. • Preventative maintenance and servicing. • Electrical preventative and breakdown maintenance. • Workshop repairs and testing. • Plasma cutting equipment commissioning, repair and maintenance. • Reporting on service work – input of information into company databases to grow knowledge. • Keeping detailed records of identified problems, processes to undertake repairs and parts required. • Accurate time and record keeping – keeping accurate records to assist in fair billing of clientele.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

THE ROLE > We are looking for a Salesperson who will need to have experience as either a Fitter and Machinist, Sheet Metal Worker or Coach Builder. We will offer on the job training to the right person to help them grow into the role. The duties of the role are as follows: • Telephone and Counter Sales • Computerised quoting and invoicing • Managing outstanding orders • Assist customers to choose the best product for their needs • Customer relationship building with ongoing customer service • Utilising organisational and problem solving skills

MACHINE TOOLS TECHNICAL SALES

THE ROLE > Specialise in selling Machine Tools and Equipment and they will ideally need to have experience as a Machinist, Sheet Metal Worker or Coach Builder. However, we will also consider you if you are an avid hobbyist with experience with workshop machinery and equipment. We will offer on the job training to the right person to help them grow into the role.The duties of the role are as follows: • Telephone and Counter Sales. • Computerised quoting and invoicing. • Managing outstanding orders. • Assist customers to choose the best product for their needs. • Customer relationship building with ongoing customer service. • Utilising organisational and problem-solving skills

ELECTRICAL FITTER

THE ROLE > We are looking for an experienced electrical Fitter to join the team of staff responsible for servicing our customer’s machine tools via warranty, preventative maintenance and break-down repairs. The duties of the role are as follows: • Experience with Industrial Machinery • Australian Electrical Fitter trade certificate. • Ability to quickly troubleshoot faults and establish repair options. • Proven ability to carry out repair options quickly and efficiently • Ability to machine and manufacture minor components • Sound knowledge and experience in servicing electromechanical assemblies • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams and drawings • Knowledge and experience in machine tool alignments and accuracy • Knowledge and experience in hydraulics • Current drivers licence

FITTER-MACHINE TOOLS

THE ROLE > We are looking for an experienced Fitter to join the team of staff responsible for servicing our customer’s machine tools via warranty, preventative maintenance and break-down repairs.. The ideal candidate will be tradecertified, with a minimum of 4 years’ experience in a similar role. In addition to this, you will possess the following characteristics: • Ability to quickly troubleshoot faults and establish repair options • Proven ability to carry out repair options quickly and efficiently • Ability to machine and manufacture minor components • Sound knowledge and experience in servicing electromechanical assemblies • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams

and drawings • Knowledge and experience in machine tool alignments and accuracy • Knowledge and experience in hydraulics • Current drivers licence • A restricted electrical licence would be highly regarded

APPRENTICE ELECTRICAL FITTER 3RD OR 4TH YR

THE ROLE > We are looking for an enthusiastic trades person who’s recently completed their third /fourth year of their Electrical Fitter Apprenticeship to join our team. The ideal candidate will have completed at least three years of an electrical fitting apprenticeship in an industrial environment. The duties of the role are as follows: • Be a competent and confident apprentice or recent graduate of an electrical apprenticeship • Have an interest in expanding your skill set into mechanical and hydraulic fitting. • Be willing to continue to learn and grow with us after completion of their apprenticeship. • Experience with Industrial Machinery • Ability to quickly troubleshoot faults and establish repair options. • Proven ability to carry out repair options quickly and efficiently • Sound knowledge and experience in servicing electromechanical assemblies • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams and drawings • Knowledge and experience in hydraulics

MELBOURNE

Location: Dandenong South

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

THE ROLE > The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong history of offering outstanding customer service combined with previous knowledge of or an interest in engineering machinery.The duties of the role are as follows: • Telephone and Counter Sales • Computerised Quoting and Invoicing • Assist customers to choose the best product for their needs • Customer relationship building with ongoing customer service

SERVICE TECHNICIAN MACHINE TOOLS

THE ROLE > The candidate will be in frequent contact with Hare and Forbes customers. The candidate is expected to be well spoken and well presented in all aspects of their dealings with internal and external customers. The duties of the role are as follows: • Mechanical repair and breakdown maintenance of industrial machinery. • Installation and commissioning of industrial machinery. • Preventative maintenance and servicing. • Electrical preventative and breakdown maintenance. • Workshop repairs and testing. • Plasma cutting equipment commissioning, repair and maintenance. • Reporting on service work – input of information into company databases to grow knowledge. • Keeping detailed records of identified problems, processes to undertake repairs and parts required. • Accurate time and record keeping – keeping accurate records to assist in fair billing of clientele.

ELECTRICAL FITTER

THE ROLE > The ideal candidate will be trade-certified, with a restricted ticket and experience in a similar role. In addition to this, you will possess the following characteristics: • Experience with Industrial Machinery • Australian Electrical Fitter trade certificate. • Ability to quickly troubleshoot faults and establish repair options. • Proven ability to carry out repair options quickly and efficiently • Ability to machine and manufacture minor components • Sound knowledge and experience in servicing electromechanical assemblies • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams and drawings • Knowledge and experience in machine tool alignments and accuracy • Knowledge and experience in hydraulics • Current drivers licence

FITTER-MACHINE TOOLS

THE ROLE > The ideal candidate will be trade-certified, with a minimum of 4 years’ experience in a similar role. In addition to this, you will possess the following characteristics: • Ability to quickly troubleshoot faults and establish repair options • Proven ability to carry out repair options quickly and efficiently • Ability to machine and manufacture minor components • Sound knowledge and experience in servicing electromechanical assemblies • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams and drawings • Knowledge and experience in machine tool alignments and accuracy • Knowledge and experience in hydraulics • Current drivers licence • A restricted electrical licence would be highly regarded

PERTH

Location: Kewdale

MACHINE SALESPERSON-INBOUND SALES

THE ROLE > Candidates suited to this role will have a strong career history in sales type roles; and previous knowledge of, or an interest in engineering machinery would be highly regarded. The duties of the role are as follows: • Telephone and Counter Sales • Computerised Quoting and Invoicing. • Assist customers to choose the best product for their needs. • Customer relationship building with ongoing customer service. • Utilising organisational and problem-solving skills. • Trade or Engineering experience an advantage.

STOREPERSON

($28-30 AN HOUR + OT)

THE ROLE > The position will be responsible for the control of receiving and dispatch of goods in our Perth branch. The successful candidate will oversee accepting deliveries, unloading of trucks and couriers, unpacking sorting and checking goods are correctly identified with stock codes and conduct stocktakes. The duties of the role are as follows: • Maintain up to date records of goods within the store. • You will be accepting deliveries, unpacking, sorting and checking goods received for quality, type or size. • Assemble goods to satisfy orders, requisitions or schedules, including re-packing where appropriate. • Using RF scanners for pick and pack, loading of stock and machinery. • Ensure holdings of goods in containers and/or arrange dispatch to other locations. • Distribute goods to authorized persons and complete relevant documentation/records. • Other responsibilities will include coordinating paperwork systems and procedures, improving storage methods and housekeeping and assisting in the dispatch area when required.

CAREERS WEB PAGE: Find the position that suits you and apply!

APPLY NOW! Visit our careers page and apply by submitting your cover letter and current resume.

EMAIL: Submitting a cover letter and current resume to: careers@machineryhouse.com.au

In a tight job market, manufacturers should look to upskill employees

Continued from front page

trend. Additionally, the industry faces supply challenges exacerbated by the recent floods and the 2019 Queensland and NSW bushfires.

“Competition for labour needed to repair damage [from these disasters] as well as to manufacture materials needed for these repairs has made it extremely difficult for our clients to find employees on their own,” says Creswick.

What workers want

Since the pandemic, Australian workers have placed a priority on self-care. Employees are driven to find employment that is meaningful or enjoyable, caters to their personal needs, such as flexible work hours, or comes with a higher salary.

In industries where employees can work remotely, job seekers have leaned towards a preference for working from home.

According to the ABS’s latest Job Mobility report, an increasing number of people changed jobs in the year leading up to February 2022, with the main reason being they wanted a better job or simply wanted a change.

Salary offers are rising, but is that good in the long term?

With the current shortage of skills, some businesses are attempting to secure talent with inflated salaries.

“This is very unsustainable as it creates unrealistic expectations amongst candidates who are searching for a new role in hopes of receiving higher pay.”

Employers are also offering higher salaries as counter-offers.

But offering a higher salary where low job satisfaction is the root issue is not sustainable. Employees who accept counter-offers are bound to run into the same issue three months down the track when they realise that nothing has changed, and they are still unhappy in their role.

“Counter-offering with a higher salary only buys you time. You should use this time to replace what you are about to lose.”

Upskill your workers

Instead of fighting for talent, “where it’s possible, employers should upskill those whose work consists greatly of routine tasks,” explains Emma Chung, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Fuse Recruitment, and former Quality Coordinator at Anteo Technologies.

“This type of work is at risk of being automated.”

She has seen many businesses who adopt new systems are letting go of capable employees and replacing them rather than investing in training.

McKinsey & Company has predicted that between 25 to 46% of work in Australia could be automated by 2030.

Employers who do not upskill their current employees could see a large reduction of their workforce in the coming years. While this will help businesses cut costs, the lost opportunity of not upskilling current employees will be an even greater loss.

Upskilling’s advantages

Upskilling employees to adapt to introduced technology will improve overall productivity and increase employee engagement, which is integral to long-term success.

“Businesses should invest in upskilling current employees who they already know are reliable and fit for the organisation’s culture,” Chung added.

Where businesses must search for new talent, it can be helpful to reach out to an industry specialist recruitment agency.

“We’ve seen a great increase in demand for electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. New clients are reaching out to me because they don’t have the in-house capability to identify employees with technical skills,” says Chung.

“Employers with STEM manufacturing roles should assess their current recruitment strategies and capabilities to ensure they can meet future demands, or risk falling behind,” says Chung.

The National Skills Commission predicts STEM occupations will grow by 12.9% by 2025. This is above the average projected employment growth of all role types of 7.8%.

Manufacturers should assess and determine ways to future-proof their current workforce.

Businesses hiring amidst the challenging market conditions and supply pressures can reach out to Fuse Recruitment for tailored talent management advice and solutions.

Fuse Recruitment fuserecruitment.com

Sales Executives x2

Packserv is Australia’s leading packaging machinery manufacturing and technical services company. It is based in Marrickville, Sydney, and has operated successfully for 15 years.

We are recruiting two savvy, experienced Sales Executives to work from our Sydney or Melbourne offices. Ideally, candidates will be highly motivated, focussed and successful in developing new business. The new Sales Executives will be generously rewarded for their results via an excellent commission structure.

We are looking for salespeople who:

• have at least 10 years of sales experience • a track record of developing new business • able to maintain strong relationships with clients • have experience managing, advising and motivating a sales team — this will be highly regarded • are willing to travel

We have a super culture and a great team of talent that will offer support and encouragement. We are looking to rapidly grow our sales team to help us cope with increasing demand for our products and services throughout 2022.

Packserv’s entry into overseas markets is underway and the successful applicants will be pivotal to developing these markets. There will be opportunities for interstate and international travel.

If you feel this role is for you, please send your resume and covering letter as to why you would be a great fit with the Packserv team to COO@packserv.com.au or call 1300 377 512