2.2 SHORTAGE OF SKILLED WORKERS

A frequently raised economic issue – identified by 44 regions – was a current or potential shortage of skilled workers. RDA committees reported difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled professionals in rural and remote communities, particularly health professionals and teachers. While many regions did not specify which industries were experiencing skills shortages, the most common professions identified included tradespeople, engineers, nurses and teachers. Perth RDA noted “an unprecedented shortage of skills and labour,” due to the mining boom and identified key shortages in architects, engineers, surveyors, medical professionals, social workers and trade workers such as mechanics, welders and electrical technicians (Perth RDA, 2011, p. 31). Despite having a very different economic base to that of Perth, RDA Tasmania reported that skills shortages in similar professions, including engineering, automotive, electrical, building and construction, health, education, hospitality, food and services and manufacturing industries (RDA Tasmania, 2011, p. 32).