Major projects news in Adelaide: addressing staff and skills shortages

Adelaide is currently witnessing a boom in construction activities, with over 30 major projects worth more than $9.12 billion either planned, approved, or under construction. These projects include the development of innovation districts, new hotel rooms, and significant infrastructure upgrades. For instance, the Festival Tower project, a $1.3-billion mixed-use development, is set to become a major component of the Adelaide Festival Plaza, featuring a commercial tower, public spaces, and a new entry to the Adelaide Railway Station. Another notable project is the Sofitel Adelaide, a $150-million development that will house Adelaide’s first new five-star hotel in three decades. These projects are enhancing the city’s infrastructure, creating numerous job opportunities. The flip side is that all those new jobs will need to be filled, bringing skills challenges in areas such as enginering, project management, trades and labour.

Challenges in delivering on Adelaide major projects

With big booms come big challenges.

1. Infrastructure issues in Adelaide
   One of the major challenges is the delivery of water infrastructure, which has not kept pace with the rapid development, leading to increased water bills and potential delays in housing projects.
2. Construction workforce shortages
   The construction industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, with thousands more needed by 2026 to meet the demand for new developments. This shortage is impacting project timelines and budgets, making it difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of construction.
3. Community and Environmental Concerns
   Some projects have faced community backlash and environmental concerns, particularly those involving heritage sites and large-scale developments. Balancing development with community interests and environmental sustainability remains a challenge.

6 major construction projects in Adelaide for 2025

1. Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project

• Value: $15.4 billion
• Status: Significant progress has been made on the T2D Project. As of early 2025, major construction activities have commenced in the southern precinct, with site establishment and utility investigations underway. The project has also seen the installation of interim noise walls and the completion of various preparatory works.
• Timeline: Construction began in 2024 and expected completion is set for 2031.
• Details: The T2D Project is set to significantly enhance Adelaide’s transport infrastructure, improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion. It is the final 10.5km section of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, designed to create a non-stop motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.

2. Festival Tower

• Value: $1.3 billion
• Status: Plans for approval submitted
• Timeline: Construction began in early 2023 and is expected to be completed by mid-2025
• Details: A 38-storey mixed-use development in Festival Plaza, featuring commercial spaces, public areas, and a new entry to the Adelaide Railway Station

3. Keystone Tower (Freemasons Hall)

• Value: $400 million
• Status: Approved
• Timeline: Construction is expected to commence in early 2025 and complete by 2027
• Details: A 37-storey tower that will include residential and commercial spaces, contributing significantly to the city’s skyline

4. Market Square

• Value: $400 million
• Status: Under construction
• Timeline: Demolition and construction began in mid-2023, with completion expected by early 2026
• Details: A 39-storey development that will feature a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces, enhancing the urban landscape

5. Lot Fourteen Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre

• Value: $400 million
• Status: Under review
• Timeline: Construction began in late 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2026
• Details: A 16-storey innovation hub aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancements in Adelaide

6. Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital

• Value: $3.2 billion
• Status: Under construction
• Timeline: Construction began in April 2024, with completion expected by 2028
• Details: A state-of-the-art healthcare facility designed to provide comprehensive medical services to women and children
• Challenges: Workforce Shortages

Essential skills required for the construction industry

To address these workforce challenges, it is crucial to focus on developing the necessary skills within the industry. Here are some of the key skills needed:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in building codes, measurements, and the use of tools and machinery is essential. Skills in computer-aided drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are increasingly important as the industry embraces digital transformation.
• Safety Procedures: Mastery of safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital to ensure a safe working environment.
• Soft Skills: Effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for coordinating with different professionals and managing unexpected challenges on the job site.
• Physical Skills: Physical strength, stamina, and dexterity are necessary for the demanding nature of construction work.
  In 2021, over a third (34%) of employers in the construction sector reported skills gaps, compared to 14% in 2018. This highlights the growing need for targeted training and development programs to bridge these gaps.

8 roles most in demand by the Adelaide construction industry

Here are some of the most in-demand job titles for construction projects in Adelaide:

1. Project managers: Responsible for overseeing construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget
2. Site supervisors: Manage day-to-day operations on construction sites, coordinating with workers and ensuring safety protocols are followed
3. Civil engineers: Design, plan, and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and infrastructure
4. Electricians: Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings and infrastructure projects
5. Carpenters: Construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials
6. Plumbers: Install and repair piping systems for water, gas, and drainage
7. Heavy equipment operators: Operate machinery used in construction, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes
8. Labourers: The variety of tasks on these construction sites with demand a substantial workforce of skilled and unskilled labour.

How NexVentur is assisting filling skills gaps in Adelaide

Addressing the workforce shortages and equipping workers with the necessary skills is crucial for the successful completion of these projects. NexVentur has several clients in Adelaide and is assisting by supplying experienced white-collar professionals from Ireland and the UK into the workforce. These include site engineers, civil engineers, contract administrators, quantity surveyors and health and safety staff.

If you are interested in accelerating your career in Adelaide, there are many great opportunities. Book a consultation with our team below.

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