Current Overview: The construction scene in Perth in January 2025 is facing some real challenges, especially with finding enough skilled workers. It’s a sector that’s vital for our local economy, providing heaps of jobs and shaping our city.
Labour Shortages:
Nationally we’re currently short by about 131,000 full-time workers in construction, and it’s not getting any better. Whether you’re a carpenter, plumber, or bricklayer, there just aren’t enough hands to go around. This means projects are taking longer to finish, costs are going up, and sometimes, the quality isn’t what it could be because everyone’s stretched thin.
What’s Happening Now:
• More Jobs Than Ever: You can’t miss the cranes all over Perth; projects like the Metronet rail and new housing developments are in full swing. But with the population growing, we need even more homes, which means more work for us all.
• Technology to the Rescue: With the labour crunch, we’re seeing a lot more use of tech like prefabrication. Over in Yanchep, they’re building modular homes, which speeds things up and cuts down on waste. Plus, companies like Perth Modular Homes are getting into 3D printing to do more with less manpower.
• Getting More Workers: There’s a big push to bring in skilled workers from overseas and to train up more locals through apprenticeships. The state government’s been working on making it easier for foreign builders to come work here. And there’s this new partnership between the Construction Training Fund and TAFE WA that’s all about getting more apprentices on the job.
Perth Stories:
• Subiaco Town Square: This project was supposed to wrap up last year, but here we are, looking at a mid-2025 finish because of the labour shortage. They’re using a lot of prefab stuff to try and catch up, which is smart.
• Fremantle Port Expansion: It’s been tough to get this one moving fast enough because of our worker shortage. They’ve had to look overseas for help, which has stirred some local debate about job opportunities for Aussies.
• Perth Stadium Station: The upgrade here shows how some companies are making do. Georgiou Group managed to finish on time by training up their existing team and using new tech, though it cost a bit more.
• Robotic Innovation at Kwinana Smart Factory: A standout story is the Kwinana Smart Factory, where they’re using robots for construction tasks like bricklaying and concrete pouring. This factory, which opened its doors in late 2024, is pioneering the use of automation to address labour shortages. They’ve managed to halve the construction time for certain building components, significantly reducing the need for on-site workers. It’s a game-changer, showing how we can adapt to the current workforce challenges while still getting the job done efficiently.
Wrapping Up: Perth’s construction world is at a pivotal moment. While we’re short on workers, the way we’re innovating and adapting with technology gives us hope for the future. By leaning into automation, investing in training, and maybe loosening up some immigration rules, we can keep building our city and our livelihoods.
