Increased vacancy activity across traditional energy sectors indicates the market may be on the up following CAPEX completions in the distribution sector and privatisation in the generation sector.
The latest Hays Quarterly Report of skills in demand suggests transmission and distribution is experiencing more vacancy activity than power generation.
โCompanies are looking for specialists with power infrastructure experience. But to be successful candidates must be able to show how they could add value; this is necessary for candidates going for temporary as well as permanent roles,โ the report states.
The research also suggests employers are looking for candidates with local experience, turning away from interstate or overseas applicants.
In terms of skills in demand for the October to December 2015 quarter, Hays reported high demand for design engineers and design drafters for tender purposes. Solar design engineers are also in demand thanks to government funding in this area.
Transmission and distribution employers are looking for schedulers, works delivery co-ordinators and asset specialists. Employers want candidates with power infrastructure experience and a proactive and versatile approach to their work.
Project co-ordinators, market consultants, operations managers, and electrical gas turbine power station maintainers are also in demand, with the availability of new senior positions attributed to company restructures.
โIn terms of candidate trends, most jobseekers are now open to temporary assignments and are willing to relocate,โ the report said.
โThey are also increasingly looking at diversifying their skill set and are beginning to branch out from their individual specialist areas. For example, people who have worked in analytical roles are looking at consultancy jobs and those with a distributor background are considering lesser roles outside the market.โ