If one was to compare the amount of educated, professional and trained people in OH&S and/or HSE that are either out of work and looking, wanting to change organisations, or eager to take advantage of West Australia's resources boom, with the civil engineers required to facilitate the infrastructure necessary to maintain and uphold the boom, it would be more than evident that there is a shortage of engineers.

Example: I embarked upon two projects for different clients in the mining and petroleum sectors.

Client number 1 needed an estimator with engineering background. Client number 2 needed a HSE representative with oil and gas experience.

After advertising for one month, I received two applications for the estimator's position and an incredible 94 applications for the HSE position.

Of these 94 applications from mostly Australian citizens, candidates had varying skills and experience across OH&S and HSE. They varied from degree-qualified HSE Managers, to rough-necks that had experience with well blowouts and fire fighting.

Also in mix were professionals with 25 years experience, younger guys with 4 years experience, men, women, advisors, representatives, risk managers, superintendents, and the list goes on.

The profession of HSE and OHS was represented across the board by all of these applicants.

Having been exposed to the international oil and gas industry for the last 20 years and in the recruitment industry for the last three years, by no means do I believe that there is a skill shortage in this profession, and I do not understand how Mr Wilson has come to this conclusion.

There are certainly other crucial professions out there in the petroleum industry that are harder to find than a qualified HSE workers.

Kind Regards,

Sarah-Jeanne Fraser

Pernickety Recruitment Pty Ltd