Surveying and geospatial workforce modelling: potential skills gap analysis for Queensland in particular with estimates extrapolated up for Australia

ACIL Tasman, in partnership with Spatial Information Services were commissioned by the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) to undertake modelling on the current and future demand and supply of surveying and geospatial skills in Queensland and Australia. ACIL Tasman undertook surveys of the Queensland surveying and geospatial industry and Queensland Government agencies to elicit views on likely future demand for surveyors and geospatial specialists in the state. A demand projection model was developed using [Australian Bureau of Statistics] ABS Census data, data collected from the surveys and data from other sources. Three demand scenarios - 'central demand', 'high demand' and 'low demand' - were analysed. Key findings include: the shortages in surveying, geospatial and technical skills projected for Queensland and Australia will require a very significant increase in domestic supply if dependence on net migration of skills is to be avoided; extrapolation of [the] Queensland modelling results indicates that the Australia-wide shortfall of graduate or licensed surveyors would be approximately 1,300 in 2025, while the Australia-wide shortfall of geospatial specialists with university degrees would be approximately 500 in 2017 and 300 in 2025; and in 2025, the Australia-wide shortfall is estimated to be approximately 360 for surveying technicians with diplomas and associate degrees and 250 for surveying technicians with a Certificate I-IV qualification. Potential options to address skills gaps and the next steps are proposed in this report.

Excerpts from publication. Show less