Australia’s most in-demand workers

From waiters to chefs and early childhood teachers, these are the most in-demand workers in Australia.

From delivery drivers and kitchen hands to occupational therapists, there are 20 key roles up for grabs if you are looking for work right now.

Employment opportunities continue to explode in Australia, with 13 consecutive months of increased job vacancies.

The Australian Government’s Vacancy Report reveals almost a quarter of a million roles (245,400) available in May – the highest job ad volumes in more than 12 years, and exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 46 per cent.

Recruitment firm Robert Walters New South Wales managing director Andrew Hanson says there is a “war for talent” in almost every sector.

There are more than 7000 jobs available for registered nurses. Picture: iStock

The following 20 occupations had more than 1000 roles available in May and experienced more than a 60 per cent increase in hiring compared to the same month two years earlier.

KITCHENHANDS

2457 jobs, up 184 per cent

About 19 per cent of the current workforce works full time, according to the Australian Government’s JobOutlook data.

DELIVERY DRIVERS

1119 jobs, up 155 per cent

Roles typically do not require a formal qualification, other than a driver’s license.

WAITERS

4427 jobs, up 140 per cent

Workers can specialise as drink waiters, formal service waiters, silver service waiters, sommeliers and wine stewards.

BAR ATTENDANTS & BARISTAS

2943 jobs, up 113 per cent

More than two-thirds are part-time or casual employees.

COMMERCIAL CLEANERS

2130 jobs, up 104 per cent

Work sites can include office buildings, schools and aircraft cabins.

NURSING SUPPORT & PERSONAL CARE WORKERS

1251 jobs, up 102 per cent

Formal qualifications are not typically required, but more than half hold a certificate or diploma and about one in five have a degree.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

1598 jobs, up 96 per cent

Workers assess functional limitations resulting from illnesses or disability, and provide therapy to help people perform daily activities.

COOKS

2642 jobs, up 92 per cent

A formal qualification is not typically required, however a certificate in cooking, catering or kitchen operations may help.

There is increased demand for early childhood teachers. Picture: iStock

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS

1441 jobs, up 84 per cent

Roles require a bachelor degree in education, majoring in early education.

CHEFS

3389 jobs, up 83 per cent

Chefs are not just needed in the restaurant industry.

Aged care provider Southern Cross Care currently has positions across Adelaide for chefs, kitchenhands and food service assistants.

Chief executive David Moran says the aged care sector offers roles to suit all lifestyles.

“Whether employees want to work full time, or only do a couple of casual shifts per week, we can tailor their employment,” he says.

Jack Thomas is a chef at Southern Cross Care. Picture: Supplied

Chef Jack Thomas, 33, started at the company’s Oakfield Lodge Residential Care at Mt Barker after Covid-19 highlighted the insecurity of his pub job.

He had spent a week without work during lockdown then his shifts were reduced to just three nights a week.

“I decided to apply for a role in aged care for increased job security, as we don’t know when or if we will go into a lockdown again,” he says.

“I enjoy preparing meals for our residents who I’ve come to know well. Many have specific dietary needs and it gives me the opportunity to be creative in my cooking.”

CARPENTERS & JOINERS

1285 jobs, up 77 per cent

Women make up just 1 per cent of the current workforce.

Demand for carpenters has increased significantly. Picture: iStock

WELFARE, RECREATION & COMMUNITY ARTS WORKERS

2047 jobs, up 76 per cent

These workers design and implement programs to assist individuals, families and community groups with social, emotional and financial difficulties to improve their quality of life.

SOCIAL WORKERS

1162 jobs, up 73 per cent

A bachelor or masters degree is typically required.

AGED & DISABILITY CARERS

3391 jobs, up 71 per cent

Phil Hayes-Brown, chief executive of Wallara, which helps people with disabilities skill up to get work, says there is a large shortage of disability support workers – or support coaches, as he prefers to call them.

The Victorian organisation alone is hiring seven more by the end of the year.

“If you have coached a junior sporting team or raised kids or are a good communicator and are empathetic and patient and interested in working with people and helping them be their best selves, that’s what we are looking for,” he says.

“We want people who are motivated by social change and social justice.

“You can be trained on the job.”

REGISTERED NURSES

7050 jobs, up 66 per cent

Some specialisations include surgical, paediatrics and aged care.

TRUCK DRIVERS

2635 jobs, up 66 per cent

The average age of the current workforce is 47.

More than 2600 roles are available for truck drivers. Picture: iStock

PLUMBERS

1283 jobs, up 66 per cent

Plumbers may specialise in airconditioning, gasfitting, drainage or roof plumbing.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

1548 jobs, up 64 per cent

Two thirds of the current workforce is female.

STOREPERSONS

2248 jobs, up 62 per cent

Workers may also be known as stores assistant or warehouse assistant.

WELFARE SUPPORT WORKERS

1062 jobs, up 61 per cent

Workers may have a vocational or university qualification in a field such as society and culture, behavioural science, human welfare or community service.