Experts reveal the best career choices for young workers in 2022

There are lots of roles available in retail and hospitality, but they are not the only career options for young jobseekers. See the expert recommendations.

Young workers were among the hardest hit by Covid-19 lockdowns but increased opportunities are now helping to put their careers back on track.

Experts say entry-level roles are available across most sectors, providing a “foot in the door” for young people wanting to set themselves up for a successful long-term career.

Staff shortages in the hospitality sector have been widely reported, and Hays managing director Nick Deligiannis says demand in logistics and warehousing has skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic, with “easy” entry-level jobs promising good career progression longer term.

He says opportunities in healthcare, construction, procurement, customer service and technology have also increased since Covid-19, while high demand continues in accountancy and finance, mining, education and marketing.

Hays’ Nick Deligiannis says a good work ethic and willingness to learn are key. Picture: Supplied

“Provided you have a good work ethic, are willing to learn and want to work hard to advance your skills, these entry-level jobs provide an excellent foot in the door for anyone serious about launching their career and working from the ground up,” he says.

“Remember, you may not always be able to secure your ideal job or work in your ideal industry immediately. (But) take any opportunity you can to build your experience and transferable skills then, over time, you can be proactive about moving into your preferred career path.”

Outplacement Australia director Gillian Kelly says the pandemic was particularly tough for younger workers, with industries that typically employ those aged under 25 – such as retail, tourism and hospitality – struck hard by lockdowns.

Gillian Kelly says apprenticeships and traineeships are a good option. Picture: Supplied

Not having relevant work experience is also a “massive problem” for young people, but opportunities still exist.

“Apprenticeships and traineeships offer promising potential pathways for people with little experience,” she says.

“Additionally, areas with high demand will often look for people with the right potential to train up for a role, so look for hirers and organisations who are willing to invest in building your skills and experience.”

Kelly warns against being wooed by high salaries, suggesting they may require other sacrifices, including time away from home – such as fly-in-fly-out roles – or years of training.

They may also have weaker long-term prospects, she warns.

Pluralsight’s Mike Featherstone says analytical and creative types should consider a tech career. Picture: Supplied

Pluralsight managing director Mike Featherstone says the technology sector provides plenty of options for young workers.

He says tech development and coding are well suited to those with an analytical mindset, while product development and user experience are best for those with an artistic background.

“Tech generally will always be in demand and the only real questions will be which technologies win and which ones lose,” he says.

“Unless you’ve built your entire skillset around one very niche language, and assuming you’re willing to learn, there will always be new areas to explore, work in and be promoted into.”

Real estate is ideal for Gen Z jobseekers, says Century 21’s Andy Reid. Picture: Supplied

Real estate is another option, and Century 21 and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate head trainer Andy Reid says it is ideally suited to Generation Z and young Millennials.

“One of the critical skills is human connection at scale and that is something young people have been raised to do inherently better than any generation ever,” Reid says.

“They have the ability to connect via social media, broadcasting, podcasting, all the different mediums … and the whole point of real estate is human connection.”

Reid, who previously worked in hospitality and has an engineering degree, says it is a common misconception that people need life experience to be able to sell a house – really, they just need empathy.

“As long as you are willing to put in three years of hard work in real estate instead of getting a degree that you will never use, by the time you are 30 or 35 you are laughing,” he says.

Aged care also offers exciting prospects for younger people.

Southern Cross Care employee Chloe Young with resident Stojia Klocic. Picture: Supplied

Southern Cross Care chief executive David Moran says more than 20 per cent of the not-for-profit aged care and retirement living services provider’s current workforce is aged under 30.

“The aged care sector offers fantastic career progression opportunities for employees,” he says.

“We consistently find that young people are inquisitive, eager to learn and determined to build strong relationships with our clients.”

Chloe Young started with Southern Cross Care as a personal care worker when she was 19 and in her first year of a nursing degree.

Upon graduation, she was promoted to a registered nurse.

Now 27, Young works as the operational support and clinical facilitator, supporting other staff with education, training and continuous improvement.

“Early career nurses gain varied clinical experience working in aged care, particularly in emergency care,” Young says.

“My career has progressed quickly and I’m currently a level 3 registered nurse, based on my experience in aged care.

“This would have taken me much longer to achieve in a hospital setting.”

Originally published as Experts reveal the best career choices for young workers in 2022