A new report released by Powering Skills Organisation has found a shift in workplace culture could open the door to a significant number of underutilized workers who are women, First Nations and culturally or linguisitically diverse people.
Based on industry surveys, shortages in critical energy transition occupations, can be improved with better employment strategies and culture, as well as addressing insufficient skills development to meet the pace of change.
Powering Skills Organisation’s (PSO’s) estimated target of 42,000 new qualified workers being required, has found workforce pressures beyond the demands of an energy transition now top heavy with rapid growth in artifiical intelligence (AI) data centre developments, is at risk of being derailed by skilled worker shortages.
Australia-headquartered energy sector workforce policy entity PSO’s High Load, Short Supply 2026 Targeted Workforce Update report says workforce growth is also constrained by limited training capacity and business confidence.
“As revealed by engagement with more than 400 employers, employees, training providers, industry bodies, unions and apprentices through PSO’s 2026 energy skills and workforce survey, and national roadshows,” the report cites.
