Forklift operators are the most sought-after occupation.

Materials handling skills are among the most sought-after in Australia, according to a new report.

Research conducted on behalf of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) found that forklift operators, working safely at heights, working on boom-type elevating work platforms and safely working in confined spaces are the most sought-after occupations.

The study found that demand for resource staff continues to grow across Australia, with Western Australia leading the charge over the last three years. It found that nearly 33% of the advertised mining jobs over the last three years were for positions in Western Australia, with Queensland accounting for 29% and New South Wales for 22%.

The study also found that there was strong interest in skilled Australian workers able to operate in high-risk environments, based on an analysis of licence requirements.

Both basic and advanced rigging tickets and construction induction cards were also frequently included in job descriptions by employers, as were skills in handling crane payloads.