Australia’s infrastructure sector is set to boom in the coming years with Victoria alone undertaking projects such as the Metro Tunnel, North East Link, Level Crossing Removals and the West Gate Tunnel. The looming challenge for the industry will be implementing workable strategies to recruit, retain and train skilled people to deliver these projects and Australia’s next generation infrastructure.
National forecasts suggest an additional 300,000 construction workers will be required by 2024 to staff the increasing number of major infrastructure projects in Australia. In 2015, jobs advertised in the construction industry obtained an average of 3.5 applications compared to 9.9 applications in 2008, with only 0.5 of those applicants being appropriately skilled for the job. If the industry continues like this it could result in a nation-wide critical skill shortage.
Working in Human Resources (HR) in infrastructure means more than just recruitment. Managers have to ensure they’re acquiring appropriately skilled workers while juggling economic volatility, industrial disputes, an aging workforce and the ever changing rules of engagement to ensure successful delivery of their projects.
This means HR must continuously evolve, adapt and proactively seek out new ways to add strategic value to their organisations.
InfraPeople 2018 is a one-day conference that will bring together some of the leading experts in the infrastructure and human resource space to share practical solutions on how best to approach the big issues facing people in infrastructure.
The conference will be held in Melbourne on 8 August, and delegates will hear expert presentations regarding issues such as important 457 Visa changes that will impact the recruitment process; approaches to mental health challenges; workforce diversity; navigating the skill shortage; and learning how major projects are innovating in the HR sector.
Aimed at roles such as Chief Human Resources Officers, People and Culture Managers and Operations Officers, the conference will attract the most senior decision makers from infrastructure asset owners, government agencies and major contractors.
InfraPeople 2018 offers the chance to get up-to-date on the biggest infrastructure projects in Victoria while networking with peers and industry leaders in formal and casual networking sessions.
Infrastructure magazine is excited to bring you this new event to help ensure your organisation remains equipped to face the challenges of the next ten years and beyond.
InfraPeople 2018 will feature topics including:
- Managing the skills shortage for both high-level and entry-level positions
- Recruitment strategies
- International recruitment and visa changes
- Changing technology
- Risk management
- Diversity and inclusion
- Safety
- Mental health
- Managing the generation gap and much more
For more information or to register for event updates, please visit www.infrapeopleconference.com.au.
