Revealed: The most in-demand jobs in regional NSW — beauty therapy, aged care and more

Childcare workers, miners, kitchenhands, and accountants are among the top occupations predicted for job growth in the state’s regions over the next two years. READ THE FULL LIST NOW.

• NSW farmers cheated by irrigation failures in other states
• Minister brands Aussies lazy, farmers search for jobseekers

As more than a million Australians grapple with unemployment in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, beauty therapy, aged care, carpentry, and administration are dominating the job market in ­regional NSW.

Childcare workers, miners, kitchenhands, and accountants are also among the top occupations predicted for job growth in the state’s regions over the next two years, ­exclusive data from TAFE NSW revealed.

Forecasts found that certain occupations will flourish in particular regions of the state with retail earmarked as one of the top employing sectors in the Hunter and on the NSW coast, from Gosford up to the Queensland border. Sales assistants earn an average of $1128 a week.

TAFE NSW delivery chief Kerry Penton said retail sales assistant jobs can be secured through a short course or ­certificate, making it a great choice  for  those   who   can­not commit to lengthier ­qualifications.

“Retail careers embrace everything from presentation to communication and combine technology with management skills,” Ms Penton said.

“You can study a short course, certificate, or a dip­loma that will lead to a number of job opportunities such as assistant, sales representative or retail management.”

Kitchenhands, who earn on average $1000 a week, were in the top five jobs across the Hunter, mid north coast, far north coast, Riverina, New England, northwest, far west, Orana and the Central West.

While many of the jobs were popular statewide some had a niche audience, with mixed crop and livestock farm workers and miners needed in the Central West, teacher’s aides were in demand in the far west and Orana regions, and electrical lineworkers, were needed in New England and the state’s northwest.

Ms Penton said a career as a teacher’s aide was a great opportunity for those who had a passion for children’s learning and development.

“Teacher’s aide jobs are in high demand and employers are looking for prospective employees who have a qualification in education support,” she said.

Mixed crop and livestock farm workers and miners are needed in the Central West. Picture Chris Kidd

“To be successful working in this role, you must have a genuine desire to make a ­difference to the lives of ­children.”

Mining was the top-paid job among the occupations cited for growth, with miners taking home $2500 a week followed by electrical lineworkers on $2205. Ms Penton said it was important to ­remember that the money comes with gruelling work conditions for miners and a four-year apprenticeship for those wanting to become an electrical lineworker.

“Mining can be physically draining and demanding work, and potentially hazardous,” she said.

“A willingness to work in these conditions is essential. Employers look for miners who are reliable, committed to the  job,  and  have a good work ethic.

“To become an electrical lineworker, the best pathway is a four-year apprenticeship with an electricity provider.

“Employers are looking for team players who like working outdoors and who have a knowledge of physics, mathematics, and mechanical ­operations.”

Away from the regions, in Sydney and Western Sydney accountants, call centre operators, clerks and administration assistants are primed for growth. Marketing specialists and developer programmers were also popular in the area and these jobs can land workers $1737 and $2003 a week, respectively.

Nurse Tracie Martin has been a full time carer for two of her four children. Now she is transforming her skills into a paid career as an enrolled nurse. Picture: Nathan Edwards

Aged care worker Tracie Martin said working in an ­industry that’s booming has been a great relief for her and her family.

“There are definitely a lot of jobs in aged care and disability,” Ms Martin said.

“I find it a privilege to be working every day with my elderly community.”

She recently completed a diploma of nursing from TAFE NSW and hopes to ­become a nurse down the track.

Infrastructure is also ­expected to rake in jobs with the NSW government accel­erating projects in a bid to boost the economy.

The NSW bushfire clean-up by Laing O’Rourke has created more than 1000 jobs in regional areas.

“With the right support from government, more projects could be supercharged, unlocking the capacity of hundreds of local subcontractors across the state that stand ready to get to work,” Laing O’Rourke managing director Cathal O’ Rourke said.