Australia Needs Engineers: Queensland's Nominated Skilled Migration Program 2025/26

Queensland is making waves in 2025/26 with its updated State Nominated Skilled Migration Program, a key initiative that supports Australia's economic growth and infrastructure goals. As part of this strategy, Engineers Australia has submitted a comprehensive proposal advocating for the continued inclusion of engineering occupations on Queensland’s Skilled Occupation List. This submission is not just timely but vital in the face of growing workforce shortages and national infrastructure priorities. For skilled migrants, this presents a golden opportunity to align their careers with Australia’s evolving economic landscape.

1. Strategic Role in Australia's Infrastructure Development

Queensland's infrastructure is undergoing rapid expansion, fueled by state and national priorities such as clean energy transition and advanced manufacturing. According to Engineers Australia's official submission, the engineering workforce in Queensland has grown by 40% over the last decade. Ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled engineers through the migration program is essential for delivering major projects efficiently and on time.

2. Bridging Regional Workforce Gaps

Skilled migration through the Queensland program targets critical labour shortages, especially in regional areas where local talent is scarce. The inclusion of engineering roles helps stabilize the workforce in sectors that are crucial to both urban and rural development. By distributing skilled professionals across under-resourced zones, the program plays a major role in balanced state development. Learn more about how skilled migrants are unlocking regional opportunities in our in-depth guide to Australian skilled migration.

3. Supporting Clean Energy and Climate Goals

The clean energy transition is one of Australia’s top national priorities. Engineers, particularly those with skills in renewable energy, construction, and energy infrastructure, are indispensable in this shift. The continued inclusion of engineering roles in the migration program ensures Queensland can meet its sustainability targets while also creating jobs and innovation pathways for migrants.

4. Flexibility in Recognizing Engineering Qualifications

A key point raised in the submission is the need to consider the varied pathways engineers take in achieving competency. Engineering qualifications often don't align directly with their practice area, which is why the submission advocates for recognizing associate, technologist, and professional engineers alike. This inclusive approach opens the door for a diverse range of skilled migrants to contribute to Australia's economy.

5. Collaboration Between Government and Industry

The Queensland Government’s willingness to consult with industry bodies like Engineers Australia ensures that skilled migration programs are both effective and adaptive. As noted by Darren Beattie, Engineers Australia’s General Manager for Queensland, ongoing collaboration with Migration Queensland is essential to address workforce shortages and skills development challenges. This alignment strengthens the program’s credibility and responsiveness to changing economic needs.

6. Aligned with Queensland’s Skilled Occupation List

The Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) is the cornerstone for state-nominated visas. Including diverse engineering roles not only reflects current market demand but also future-proofs Queensland’s talent pipeline. Migrants with occupations on this list gain a strategic advantage in the visa application process.

Queensland’s 2025/26 Nominated Skilled Migration Program stands at the intersection of strategic planning, economic growth, and migration reform. From addressing workforce shortages in engineering to supporting the clean energy revolution, the program underscores the critical role skilled migrants play in shaping Australia's future.

If you’re a skilled migrant or employer looking to leverage this opportunity, schedule a consultation here with our expert advisors to assess your eligibility and guide your next steps.

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