The AusIMM (Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy) 2008 Remuneration and Employment Survey Report has found that the nation's skills shortage has resulted in escalating salaries and more flexible work practices, but also longer working hours.
The AusIMM report provides comprehensive feedback on remuneration trends, work practices, job preferences and attitudes towards changes in the workplace, as indicated by professional in the minerals sector.
The evidence of a drastic skills shortage remains unchanged since previous surveys in 2005 and also in 2007.
According to CEO of AusIMM, Michael Catchpole, the survey demonstrates that the skills shortage has numerous related effects on companies and employees.
It is professionals who work in the industry that are feeling the heat of an ever-expanding industry, says Mr Catchpole. “There have been minor gains in retention overall, but our members’ view is that Australia’s professional skills base is stretched to capacity,” he said.
In the latest survey, about two thirds (68.4%) of respondents felt that people at their workplace are under more pressure because of the skills shortage; that the skills shortage had left them short staffed (64.5%); or that the skills shortage has meant their employer now pays more for less experienced personnel (66.8%).
Australia’s mining industry continues to expand with a record $70.5 billion in projects either committed or under construction.
