Stay afloat in new jobs climate

SOME industries are hot, some are not, for finding employment. Here are the sectors job seekers should be keeping their eyes on.

Job hunt

THESE sectors show enough promise to keep us from the depths of joblessness

Australia’s unemployment rate has passed 6 per cent for the first time in over a decade, and thinking about future job prospects can be daunting.

Thankfully, there are some strong tailwinds behind other industries expected to pick up the slack left by traditional manufacturing and mining.

If you’re wondering about your future, now is the time to proactively plan ahead and find the right training to fill the gaps.

Here are some of the top areas for future employment.

1. TECHNOLOGY

IT, cloud technology, digital communications and social media is a huge industry that’s rapidly growing. Australia leads the world with the rate of new online stores opening up.

PricewaterhouseCoopers research shows our tech sector is growing so rapidly it has the capacity to create 540,000 new jobs by 2033.

There are tech courses at universities, private colleges and TAFE. Stand out by multiskilling, combining creativity with technical skills. The average salary for a social media marketing manager is $58,000, while a digital graphic designer brings home $65,000 to $75,000. At the top end, wages are into six figures.

2. HEALTHCARE

Australia’s ageing population and a booming middle class in Asia wanting better medical standards means healthcare and aged care services are going to be big employers.

Healthcare is expected to add 180,000 jobs to the economy over the next five years. It’s a flexible industry with the potential for part-time and shift work.

For a career in aged care, a certificate is required, along with hands-on experience. The average salary is about $50,000.

3. CONSTRUCTION

Government investment in infrastructure and a decrease in the number of people entering construction apprenticeships means skilled trades will continue to be in high demand. This means ample opportunity for project builders, surveyors, electricians and the like.

Training is usually in the form of an apprenticeship.

While the first-year apprentice wage is minimal, it increases with experience and the ability to work for yourself once qualified opens the door to really capitalise on your skills.

Those willing to do regional work demand a significant premium too.

4. TOURISM

Deloitte Access Economics recently identified tourism as one of the sectors that could grow 10 per cent more quickly than the global economy over the next 20 years.

Tour guides, advisers, travel operators, hotel managers and reservation agents will all be needed to support that influx.

Average salaries vary, with a lot depending on bonus or commission structures, so it’s not an industry for slackers.

Education-wise, there are tourism degrees at universities, as well as TAFE courses and on-the-job training.

5. WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER

Word of mouth is becoming increasingly important, so start building those networks if you haven’t already.

Consider the future supply of labour. The number of law graduates has doubled in the past decade, while accounting graduates are being affected by the trend towards offshoring low-level finance jobs, so be sure to watch labour supply trends before jumping ship.