Hunter Valley employers said they would need more Engineers in the next two years, when surveyed for the Cessnock Skills Audit.
While engineering is not a high growth industry nationally, both current and future need was indicated by local employers in the Cessnock Skills Audit. This could be linked to development at Newcastle Airport and expansion RAAF operations providing the opportunity for Cessnock to become the region’s largest airport for general aviation.
Anecdotally, some large employers are starting to express interest in moving to or expanding their operations at Cessnock, and there are opportunities to expand on current charter, skydiving and other recreational and tourism operations. With these opportunities in mind and given that employers have indicated future need in these occupations, Engineering could be a key growth industry for the region with aspirational pathways and exciting, high skilled career pathways for local students to address future needs.
Most occupations in this industry require a bachelor’s degree, therefore a businesses will need to attract appropriately qualified and experienced staff to meet current demands.
Aircraft Engineer/Aircraft Maintenance
As a profession, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are predicted to experience 2.7% growth nationally over the next 5 years to 2022, according to the Australian Government’s Jobs 2018.
Electrical Engineer
As a profession, Electrical Engineers are predicted to experience 1.5% growth nationally over the next 5 years to 2022.
Read the Cessnock Skills Audit
See also: Hunter Valley Jobs of the Future
