Director Confident in Labour Force for Nuclear Plant Construction in Australia
According to McCoskers Contracting director Bob McCosker, Australia could potentially attract overseas workers if it chose to pursue nuclear power.
At a recent Senate committee hearing, it was revealed that Australia had the capability to obtain the necessary workforce for the construction of nuclear power plants.
During an inquiry hearing on nuclear power, Bob McCosker, a seasoned industry veteran with 40 years of experience and founder of McCoskers Contracting, addressed concerns about the shortage of manpower in Australia’s nuclear sector.
Using examples from previous LNG projects his company had been involved in, McCosker highlighted the feasibility of recruiting nuclear personnel from across Australia and other countries.
“Where did the skills come from?” he questioned. “For one of those projects, we flew in people from New Zealand and Western Australia.”
McCosker also mentioned that Australia could entice skilled workers from the United States with higher wages.
Meanwhile, David Nunn, the general manager of High Risk Solutions, a scaffolding and rigging company, praised Australia for its talented individuals in the nuclear industry and robust labor supply.
Nunn suggested that lifting the ban on nuclear power in Australia could pave the way for training young people in the nuclear sector, potentially expanding the workforce in the industry.
He emphasized the need for a constructive dialogue about nuclear power in Australia without succumbing to fear, pointing out the potential for well-paid jobs and a strong supply chain for both young and older workers.
