If you’re struggling to find a job in Australia right now, you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for a new position in your current industry or seeking a career change, the job market is difficult to navigate. As the economy recovers after the pandemic, some industries are advertising more jobs than others. In addition, all states and territories are experiencing shortages of skilled workers in some industries.
We’ve listed below some industries experiencing skills shortages in each Australian state and territory. Keep reading to find out which industries in Australia need skilled workers now!
1. EDUCATION
Skill shortages: Queensland
A survey conducted by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment identified that there is a shortage teachers in Queensland. Though general primary and secondary teachers are not in short supply, the demand for special education teachers is high.
Working as a special education teacher involves teaching children with disabilities who do not thrive in a mainstream classroom environment. Some of your everyday duties will be similar to any other teacher, like preparing lesson plans, marking student work, and providing feedback.
However, other parts of your role are unique to special education, like working closely with allied health professionals, and teaching one-to-one or in small groups rather than to a large class. To succeed as a special education teacher, you will need to be flexible, patient, and an excellent communicator.
Suggested Careerline course(s): Child and Adolescent Mental Health; Developmental, Learning, and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents
2. FOOD PREPARATION
Skill shortages: New South Wales, South Australia, regional Northern Territory
Skilled workers are in demand in all sectors of the food industry around the country. The Labour Market Analysis of Skilled Occupations identified that bakers, pastry cooks, and butchers are in demand around the country. In addition, skilled chefs are needed in New South Wales and South Australia.
To succeed in the food industry, you will need an understanding of flavor, as well as how to properly cook and prepare ingredients. A genuine passion for food and feeding people will be a significant bonus as a food industry worker, no matter what you specialize in. Working with food rarely involves regular 9 to 5 hours – be prepared for early mornings and late nights. Excellent time management skills and high levels of creativity are essential.
Suggested Careerline course(s): Food Preparation, Food and Beverage Options (Short Course), Food and Nutrition (Short Course)
3. ARBORICULTURE
Skills shortages: Nationwide
The most recent Labour Market Analysis of Skilled Occupations report concludes that there is a shortage of skilled arborists around the country. Though no particular state or territory reported a skills shortage, the report identified arborists as an in-demand profession nationwide.
An arborist is, essentially, a ‘tree doctor’ – they prune, lop, mulch, and help keep trees healthy. They are able to diagnose issues with nutrition and disease, and give advice about the best plant life to grow in particular locations. So, if you are a gardening enthusiast or plant person, working as an arborist could be your next dream job. To succeed as an arborist, you’ll need a solid understanding of tree biology, as well as tree maintenance. Arborists spend much of their time on the job speaking with clients, which means that people skills are essential.
Suggested Careerline course(s): Arboriculture A, Arboriculture B
4. ACCOUNTANCY
Skills shortages: South Australia
The Australian Government’s Department of Education, Skills and Employment publishes regular reports about skill shortages around the country. While there are job vacancies for accountants around the country, there is a shortage of qualified accountants in South Australia.
If you have a knack for understanding complex numbers and figures, a career as an accountant could be right for you. Accountants are analysts and recordkeepers who manage the finances of a business. Some accountants work for individuals, rather than businesses, helping them manage their finances and taxes. The most successful accountants have an exceptional eye for detail and are skilled at reading, interpreting, and generating data. High levels of interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, and analytical skills are also a must.
Suggested Careerline course(s): Bookkeeping Foundations, Bookkeeping Applications
5. NURSING/ AGED CARE
Skills shortages: Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, metropolitan New South Wales, regional Victoria
Nursing is just one of many caring professions that are currently experiencing skills shortages. This profession involves providing care to patients with temporary or long-term health conditions. Depending on the type of nursing, this can involve administering medication, performing examinations, monitoring symptoms, and educating and counselling patients. This means you’ll need to understand anatomy and how the human body works. The best nurses are caring and empathetic in nature, and have excellent interpersonal skills.
Suggested Careerline course(s): Aged Care and Counselling, Anatomy and Physiology A, Grief Counselling, Medical Terminology
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Profiles of employment trends for occupations and industries are available from:
Australian Jobs publication
Employment Projections
Job Outlook
For further information on our courses, or free course consultations, feel free to contact us at info@careerlinecourses.com
