Over the last few decades Australia has gone from strength to strength. In part this has to do a progressive economic policy and the abundant natural resources. Controls implemented to restrict the number and types of immigrants have also had a positive effect on the decrease of unemployment and the influx of skills at a professional level. Unlike many of the world’s most powerful economies, unemployment in Australia has reached a remarkably low percentage of just 4.1%. In general this can be taken as an indicator for a improved quality of a life as well as a reflection of the stability of the economy.

Due to the astounding growth of Brazil, Russia, India and China, the acronymic BRIC economies, over the last few years, Australia has managed to turn a modest mineral industry into a phenomenal success. The BRIC economies are ideally positioned and in need of many of the commodities Australia produces. Western Australia in particular has the resources to supply much of this demand. The regions main commodities are petroleum, iron ore and nickel. The industry in Western Australia has developed extremely quickly. Engineering Careers have expanded greatly in recent years, linked to the growth in demand for commodities. Job prospects for employees with Engineering skills, qualifications and experience have never been so great. Demand in the engineering sectors ranges from graduates through to experienced professionals for both temporary and permanent employment positions.

Since the BRIC countries have been singled out as being the countries most likely to become the world’s strongest economies in the not too distant future, growth rates considered, Australia looks well positioned to take full advantage of their continuing growth by developing a mineral and energy industry which can cope with escalating demands.

Up to this point the employment and infrastructural demands of the mining industries have been met by both nationals and foreigners. Skilled professionals able to contribute continue to be in high demand. People from the world over are arriving in great numbers for an Engineering Career to work in the mineral sector, either directly or indirectly, and to enjoy both the high salaries, which the boom has permitted, and the well known quality of life and abundant natural beauty. Even though the number of immigrants is high, the number of skilled professional is still insufficient to meet the new demands. As a result of the deficiency of skills, the mining, engineering and construction sectors are unable to advance at rate in line with the need for supply. Of course, the current output is stable and worth billions of dollars to the economy, but in order to grow sufficiently to meet the projected export demands, many jobs need to be filled. In order to ensure the current stability and attract the right candidates, the current focus is on creating a more appealing jobs for those who can do them. Salaries have escalated significantly, as have benefits and working conditions.

The fast development within these primary sectors has spurred the need for an infrastructure able to cope with the influx of workers as well as to prepare for the future. A challenging task which itself requires skilled professionals of many varieties. Through both the government and corporations schemes have been implemented to train a workforce. As an indication of the commitment of the government to nurture the boom in industry, a record amount has been budgeted for infrastructural development. In addition, efforts are being made to make it easier for those with the requisite skills to get temporary visas which allow them to work.

With this kind of commitment to the future, the obvious incentives which await those who find employment, and the projected growth of the BRIC economies, there is little doubt that Australia expects a fruitful future. The opportunities are many and, except for the lack of engineering professionals, the obstacles which remain are few.