An annual survey by Consult Australia has warned that engineering skills shortages will continue to constrain Australia's growth and limit innovation.
Consult Australia's Engineering Skills Survey warns that Australia's ability to design and deliver an estimated $400 billion in infrastructure over the next 10 years is under threat.
"The survey results show that a skills shortage of engineers definitely still exists in the consulting industry," said Consult Australia CEO Megan Motto.
"Despite the downturn following the GFC, the shortage is back just as strong as ever, demonstrating that the global shortage of engineers is a systemic problem."
According to the survey, three quarters of firms reported that they are experiencing critical shortages.
Ms Motto said the number of engineering graduates had stagnated over the last decade, contributing to the problem.
"The engineering discipline most affected by the skills shortages is civil engineering, according to over two thirds of firms. This is particularly alarming in light of the infrastructure-centric spending agenda from both Federal and State governments."
"Environmental engineers are also in short supply according to about one third of firms. With climate change response, sustainability and energy efficiency high on government priority lists, significant concern is warranted."
She said Governments and industry must continue to work together to provide practical solutions to the skills shortages.
