Property and construction consultants Davis Langdon say the shortage of skilled professionals in the general construction sector in Queensland that has existed in recent years is slowly changing.

Davis Langdon’s Brisbane director Malcolm Butcher says the skills shortage has been a challenge for the sector in recent times, but the company is now receiving more enquiries via its international website from skilled professionals overseas seeking work.

“Our international network has experienced an increase in the number of enquiries from countries such as Asia, followed by South Africa and now more recently from the UK,” he said.

“The credit crunch has started to bite in those areas and subsequently more professionals are looking to relocate and find new jobs.” He said employees could also choose from an increasing pool of local staff seeking work as some companies finished or lost projects.

Mr Butcher said major projects Davis Langdon was involved in such as the North-South Bypass Tunnel, The Gateway Upgrade Project, Gold Coast University Hospital, Eco-Science Precinct at Boggo Road Urban Village and the State Schools of Tomorrow (Bayside cluster) in the Wynnum Manly area meant the company needed to increase staff levels.

He said Davis Langdon employed a total of more than 350 staff across Australia and New Zealand with 70 of those working in Queensland.

“It is a bit like a mini United Nations at Davis Langdon in Brisbane currently with 10 different nationalities represented,” he said.

“Some are permanent Australian residents and some are here for varying periods of time from our overseas offices.”

Mr Butcher said Davis Langdon nationally was seeking cost managers, building surveyors and project managers.