THE fourth entry in the DFP Mining and Resource Job Index series has revealed a continuing increase in skills demand across Western Australia while Queensland employment opportunities continue to decline.
While the national index has revealed a substantial 3.56-point rise in resource employment opportunities nationwide, the November figures showed coal mining vacancies have dropped in line with easing demand globally, as well as the industry-wide transition from construction to production.
Coal-rich Queensland has experienced the largest decline in employment opportunities, falling 10 index points to 82.84, or 17% since June 2013.
Demand for skills in the oil and gas extraction sectors has continued to rise over the past five months, now placing it at 20% above the June reference point.
In particular, Western Australia has experienced another growth period for employment in line with developing oil and gas projects, now offering 53.72% of all resource job opportunities in Australia.
In terms of specific skill sets, engineering role vacancies have stabilised with minimal shifts, but roles in geology and geophysics have fallen within the exploration sub-sector. By contrast, demand for trade roles such as drillers, riggers, moving plant operators and labourers has increased.
For a full copy of the DFP Mining and Resource Job Index, click here.