Best of the West: Top 10 most in-demand jobs in Western Sydney

The newest data for the most in-demand jobs in Western Sydney paint a picture of a region undergoing rapid transformation — with tradies among the most sought-after gigs.

They’re the jobs of a city on the rise – and, in some parts, being completely built from the ground up.

The newest data for the most in-demand jobs in Western Sydney paint a picture of a region undergoing rapid transformation – with tradies such as carpenters, sparkies and plasterers among the most sought-after gigs.

The figures forecasted by Western Sydney TAFE also show while the infrastructure boom will require an army of tradesmen and women plying their wares over the next three years, there’ll also be a mammoth need for accountants, kitchen hands and child care workers as the population swells.

Kevin Lee is studying for a Certificate III in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Granville.

According to Michael Cullen, the regional general manager of Western Sydney TAFE, the roles show the all-enveloping nature of the employment revolution occurring in the area.

“In terms of the jobs we’re seeing in Western Sydney, they’re being driven by infrastructure and population growth,” he told the Telegraph.

“Amid this construction boom, we need practical jobs like plasterers, electricians and carpenters, to support the residential growth that’s happening alongside the investment in infrastructure.”

According to TAFE NSW, the top 10 occupations that will grow in Western Sydney over the next three years occupations will also see demand for storepeople soar as new warehouse and logistic hubs spring up, such as online-shopping behemoth Amazon’s planned distribution centre at Kemps Creek.

Jordan Stack is studying for a Certificate IV in Fitness at TAFE NSW Meadowbank and works part time as a fitness coach in Western Sydney. Picture: Supplied

Carla Penza is studying a Certificate III in Bakery at TAFE NSW Kingswood. Picture: Supplied

And while you may be more used to seeing accountants suit up and head into Sydney’s CBD areas, Mr Cullen said the all-encompassing growth of the west meant pencil pushers would be desperately needed in the region.

“What we’re seeing is because it’s such a diverse economy across Western Sydney, we need practical jobs to support that growth in all sectors,” he said.

“To support the broad range of businesses, they need people with accounting qualifications.”

“Health, transport, construction – they all need support services such as accounting.”

With Western Sydney’s average age of 33 sitting below both the Sydney (36) and state (38) averages, Mr Cullen said a young, growing workforce would drive need for childcare workers as rates of women in the work force continue to rise long-term.

Sadaf Azhar, with Leah Boutros, 2, Khaled Baghdadi, 3, Catherine Jabbour, 3, and Jenan Samara, 4, at Bankstown TAFE. She is studying a Certificate 3 in early childhood. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“(The average age) doesn’t sound significant, but it actually gives the region its dynamism,” he said.

For Sadaf Azhar, the opportunity to go back to Western Sydney TAFE’s Bankstown campus to study childcare and add to her employability was a major drawcard.

After previously studying aged care at the same campus, Ms Azhar said she went back to pursue childcare due to the increased flexibility and similarity to her former career as a teacher in Pakistan.

“I love working with children, and it was an opportunity to continue my career from back home,” the Bankstown local said. According to her, returning to the local TAFE was an easy choice.

“There’s many good teachers, they’re all very experienced and helpful,” she said.

Originally published as Best of the West: Top 10 most in-demand jobs in Western Sydney