Signs are emerging of a shortage of skills in Australia’s construction industry which could further endanger a threatened domestic market.

Estimates from the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC) suggest that 45,000 jobs will become available in the construction industry over the next three years. They say that there is a serious lack of home grown apprentices coming through, with experienced professionals retiring too hastily.

The recently published 2013 Hays Salary Guide shows 63% of employers believe that skills shortages will affect the operation of their business or department. Additionally 61% of businesses would consider sponsoring candidates from overseas, up from 59% in 2012.

Alex Caraco from Coldwell Banker Australia says some workers who left construction for the big money jobs on mines should think about coming back, with the future of the Australian resources industry on shakier ground than normal.

“Hundreds of building companies went into liquidation and skilled people exited the industry in their droves to join the booming mining sector. Construction all but closed down for four or five years but now it has restarted, albeit from a very low base. Banks are still not keen to lend for construction so only stock market or Chinese owned developers are building, but many jobs are nonetheless being created,’ Mr Caraco said.