Queensland’s young engineers face growing opportunities as workforce shortages and major infrastructure demands reshape the profession, according to Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC.
Speaking with members of the Young Engineers Australia Queensland Group in Brisbane, Richards said demand for engineering skills was increasing amid the energy transition, the rise of artificial intelligence, defence initiatives and major infrastructure projects, including preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
At the same time, nearly 70,000 engineers are expected to retire over the next 15 years, adding to workforce pressures while creating opportunities for new entrants to the profession.
“Australia is facing a significant engineering workforce challenge, but for young engineers that’s also a major opportunity,” Richards said.
“Engineering is at the centre of the nation’s biggest priorities, from building clean energy systems and digital infrastructure to strengthening defence capability and improving productivity.”
According to Engineers Australia’s Engineering Tomorrow report, Australia had more than 433,000 qualified engineers in the labour force at the 2021 Census. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts a 20 per cent increase in professional roles, including qualified engineering positions, over the decade ahead.
The report also identified the continued underrepresentation of women, who account for 16 per cent of engineers working in engineering occupations.
Engineers Australia has called for an additional 60,000 domestic engineering graduates over the next decade to help meet projected workforce demand, while Richards said attracting highly skilled migrant engineers would also remain important.
“If Australia wants to remain competitive and deliver on its economic ambitions, we need more engineers,” she said.
Richards added that engineers who combine technical expertise with digital skills and an understanding of emerging technologies could be well positioned as the economy changes.
“Our research shows engineers see artificial intelligence as a powerful productivity tool, but many are still teaching themselves how to use it,” she said.
“The engineers who can combine technical expertise, human judgement and AI capability will be among the most valuable professionals in the workforce.”
