This report presents evidence regarding skill shortages in the electrotechnology trades in Australia that was gathered by an industry-led working group. The report provides data concerning the following aspects of the problem: (1) the demand for skills in the electrotechnology trades (employment levels, growth, and prospects); (2) the supply of skills to the electrotechnology trades (skills of the existing electrotechnology trades work force; new apprenticeship patterns and trends; training undertaking through nonapprentice pathways; and skills wastage from electrotechnology occupations); and (3) employers' recent experience of skill shortages in the electrotechnology trades. The following are among the main conclusions drawn from the evidence presented: (1) some skill shortages are emerging in Australia's skilled electrotechnology trades; (2) the telecommunications area warrant particular attention; (3) increasing retention in new apprenticeships is as critical an issue as is increasing the numbers of new apprenticeships; (4) stagnation of the number of young people aged 15-24 in the coming years will force employers to look to older individuals to fill new electrotechnology apprenticeships; and (5) increasing the relevance and quality of training for the electrotechnology trades is even more critical than is increasing the numbers of individuals in training. (Twenty-eight tables/figures/boxes and eight references are included.) (MN)