More jobs, more opportunities, and more money. Western Australia (WA) is a state sighing with relief after it was announced that the economic downturn is turning around.
Engineering industry professionals may find solace in the fact that WA economy is gradually gathering momentum. It is finding its rightful place as a state bursting with resources which are needed here and abroad; a feat requiring talented engineers and technicians.
What happened?
Western Australia saw a mining boom that secured jobs for the state in the last decade. It was inevitably followed by a steep unemployment dip after the completion of the mines. By 2015, hundreds of miners were without jobs, a situation exacerbated by the price of iron ore plummeting. It would become known as the ‘iron ore downturn’.
It was estimated by ABC News, that at the very peak of the mining boom, WA’s mining industry grew to more than AUD120 billion (US$96 billion). Then came the downturn, which lost the mining industry AUD30 billion (US$24 billion).
The state went from having one of the most thriving economies, to one of the worst performing economies in all of Australia.
Turnaround
Fast forward to 2018 and thankfully the economy is turning around. Western Australia’s Deputy Premier, Roger Cook, announced last week that the unemployment rate was improving.
New figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reduced from 6.6% to 5.7% in December 2017.
Cook told reporters: “What it’s shown is that since December 2016 we’ve seen growth of almost 40,000 jobs in Western Australia. This is tangible evidence that the West Australian economy is turning in the right direction”.
The most sought after jobs are reportedly in the mining, resources, energy, and construction industries. This is according to ABC’s WA job advertisement statistical research. In fact, miners are again being imported into the state to keep up with the demand.
Cook also confirms that the Public Transport Authority, Metronet, is launching projects that will see jobs created, many of which will be for skilled workers.
Getting the education and training
The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) specializes in educating and training engineering industry personnel. They use two learning platforms: the first is their live, interactive approach - this allows students to study (alongside full time work) from anywhere in the world.
Their second platform is the more traditional on-campus approach to learning. For international students looking for a challenge and an adventure this may be particularly appealing. EIT’s campus is in Perth, Western Australia and applications for their July 2018 intakes are now being accepted.
The engineering qualifications available on campus include four Bachelor of Science degrees; one in Mechanical Engineering, one in Civil and Structural Engineering, one in Industrial Automation and one in Electrical Engineering. There is also a Master of Engineering in Industrial Automation. All these qualifications aim to ensure students become proficient technologists and engineers who are ably prepared for the demands of industry.
EIT has a range of listed scholarships available for local and international students.
Works Cited
“More than 6000 New Jobs in WA Last Month.” PerthNow, www-perthnow-com-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.perthnow.com.au/business/economy/job-figures-show-was-economy-is-turning-for-the-better-deputy-premier-says-ng-b88718370z.amp.
Piesse, Emily. “There's Light at the End of the Tunnel for WA Jobseekers.” ABC News, 19 Sept. 2017, www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-19/wa-jobs-surge-as-mining-downturn-gives-way-to-green-shoots/8956844.
