Careers Corner

Welcome to Term 4 in the Careers Centre. I would like to start the term by sharing some of the main points arising from the National Skills Commission, Labour Market Research and Analysis Branch report, dated May 2022.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the Jobs Market. Some industries have been hit hard, e.g., the Arts, Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism, with these impacts varied across the Country.

Global issues are also impacting the jobs market, for example the costs of importing goods, shortages for some products and manufacturing delays in overseas factories.

But it is not all “Doom and Gloom.” The Economy did bounce back quickly after each lockdown lifted, as businesses returned to relatively normal operation and recruitment activity has increased strongly. In fact, many employers are recruiting and are having trouble finding the right people for these businesses – the main reason for this being either a lack of applicants – or suitable applicants.

While COVID-19 has changed the way we work, social distancing, working from home and the increased and different usage of technology, there are some things that will not change. The National Skills Commission report (five years to November 2026) identifies that 9 out of every 10 new jobs in the future will require a skill level that requires a post Year 12 qualification (Vocational Education (39%) or University (53%)).

There will continue to be more jobs growth within the services industries (89%) compared to the Producing industries (11%). The current projections show that 65% of jobs with the services industry will come from:

Health Care & Social Assistance
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Education and Training
Accommodation and Food Services

Within these 4 groupings above, specific growth will continue to occur in the following occupations:

Physiotherapists, Audiologists, Speech Pathologists, Dental Practitioners, Medical Technicians
Welfare Support Workers, Social Workers, and Counsellors
School Teachers, Education Aides and Child Carers
ICT Managers, ICT Support Technicians, Graphic & Web Designers, and Illustrators
ICT Business and Systems Analysts
Computer Network Professionals, Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers
Solicitors, Human Resources Managers, Accountants and Auditors
Real Estate Agents
Construction Managers
Chefs
Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
Plumbers

When our Students undertake careers counselling and advice, they are provided with this Industry information and are encouraged to look ahead and see what their preferred job choices and industry projections might mean for them. Students are always encouraged to think broadly within a specific industry, as often many of these jobs within them are interchangeable by adding some additional qualifications as they progress through their career journey and working lives.

Source: National Skills Commission, Employment Projects, five years to November 2026