Media Release
NT Occupation Shortage List 2008
7 April 2008
Department of Employment, Education and Training Deputy Chief Executive, John Hassed today announced the release of the Northern Territory Occupation Shortage List 2008.
Mr Hassed said the Northern Territory continues to experience shortages in a range of occupations, industries and skill levels.
“The Department of Employment, Education and Training reviews the Occupation Shortage List each year to identify the emerging, and confirm existing shortages,” Mr Hassed said.
“This list is a valuable resource to help decision-making about public funding for training, incentive programs and other strategies that address occupational shortages.
“The NT Government is working with industry to develop programs that respond to the issues underlying labour shortages.
“Consultation with stakeholders including industry associations, unions, government and community business organisations is an important part of the review. There was a strong response from stakeholders this year, and the department investigated a large number of the new occupations raised.
“A total of 12 new occupations were added to the list for 2008 including professional, associate professional and trade occupations,” Mr Hassed said.
The NT Occupational Shortages Employer Incentive Scheme was introduced in 2007 under Jobs Plan 3. The incentive is available for eligible employers who take on an apprentice or trainee undertaking a vocational education and training qualification that leads to an occupation on the Northern Territory Occupation Shortage List.
There are a number of existing programs under Jobs Plan 3 that are aimed at engaging and skilling the Territory’s workforce including Buildskills, Workwear/Workgear Bonus, Pre-employment, User Choice and the Workready program.