Jobs which don’t require a degree: nine in-demand roles to consider

While it’s the perfect career for those who want a rewarding, people-focused job, it’s not the only in-demand role that doesn’t require a degree.

While the effects of COVID-19 have been wide-reaching and unrelenting, it’s also seen people considering jobs they never have before.

Whether it’s to change industries or simply looking for something to pay the bills, you may have found yourself wondering what roles you can pursue which don’t require further study. If so, you’re in luck.

According to employment marketplace SEEK, they’ve seen significant job ad growth in jobs which offer on-the-job training, with no prior qualification necessary.

If you’re on the hunt for a new role, or just researching your options, here are the nine in-demand roles which don’t require a formal qualification and have seen huge job ad peaks since COVID.

Retail Sales Assistants – job ads up 266 per cent

Qualifications needed: None, however prior experience in retail roles will help.

Most common salary: $50,000

Thanks to easing restrictions and the upcoming holiday shopping season, stores are once again advertising positions for retail assistants. Daily duties generally include serving customers, completing sales, managing stock and implementing sales strategies. Growth opportunities also include positions as a retail store manager and brand manager.

Merchandiser – job ads up 257 per cent

Qualifications needed: Former retail experience is highly beneficial and while completing a Diploma of Visual Merchandising can be advantageous, it’s not essential.

Most common salary: $50,000

Separate from conducting sales and helping shoppers, merchandisers are responsible for the visual display of a store. This can include installing promotional displays and executing in-store promotions, whether that’s managing a huge Christmas window display or changing the layout of a store. If you’re someone who has an eye for detail, loves to be creative and will finesse a window display until it’s perfect, this job could be for you.

With shoppers returning to stores and Christmas just weeks away, the need for store merchandisers is growing in demand. Picture: iStock.

Dental assistant – job ads up 255 per cent

Qualifications needed: While no formal training is required, completing a Certificate III in Dental Assisting or Certificate IV in Dental Assisting will help increase job prospects.

Most common salary: $60,000

Dental assistants continue to be an in-demand role with over 1590 job opportunities currently available on SEEK. Their daily tasks include assisting procedures, cleaning and prepping the surgery and handling administration tasks.

Retail store manager – job ads up 211 per cent

Qualifications needed: Although these positions are often obtained through prior experience and on-the-job training, retail qualifications like a Certificate III in Retail or a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management are also available. Those looking to apply for senior management roles may also want to undertake further studies such as a Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Most common salary: $55,000

A great job for those who like to think on their feet, a store manager is responsible for the daily running of a shop and includes tasks like managing a team, conducting sales, completing rosters and overseeing monthly budgets. The role suits those who enjoy leadership and have great communication skills.

Salesperson – job ads up 200 per cent

Qualifications needed: No formal training is needed, however employees can choose to investigate specialised roles like a real estate salesperson, technical sales representative or marketing executive.

Most common salary: $50,000

One of the most versatile jobs out there, almost all industries are in need of good salespeople. Fantastic interpersonal and communication skills are a must as you’ll be liaising with clients, as is the ability to manage time and reach sales targets.

Delivery driver – job ads up 175 per cent
Qualifications needed: Apart from an unrestricted driver’s licence, on-the-job training is generally provided. Candidates looking to drive Light Rigid (LR), Medium Rigid (Mr) or Heavy Rigid (HR) vehicles will require licencing which may require driving school.

Most common salary: $50,000

With the immense growth in online shopping due to COVID, delivery drivers are in high demand. Whether you’re transporting food, furniture, equipment or supplies, the majority of your day will be spent on the road and in a car. Some positions might also require you to load and unload products too.

With the growth in online shopping, SEEK estimate the need for delivery drivers to grow 15.9 per cent in the next five years. Picture: iStock.

Warehouse storeperson – job ads up 160 per cent

Qualifications needed: On-the-job training is usually provided, however employees can undertake study in the field through courses such as a Certificate II or Certificate III in Warehousing Operations.

Most common salary: $50,000

Overlooking the organisation and distribution of goods and services, warehouse staff are vital to any business that sells products. Their general duties include maintaining stock inventory, processing orders and ensuring the general upkeep of the warehouse - from following health and safety guidelines to cleaning.

Personal carer – job ads up 156 per cent

Qualifications needed: An unrestricted drivers’ licence, current police check and First Aid Certificate may be required. A vocational qualification like a Certificate III in Individual Support or a Certificate IV in Disability will also be highly advantageous.

Most common salary: $108,000

A rewarding job assisting individuals with a disability or special needs, SEEK predicts personal carer positions to have a projected job growth of 18.5 per cent in the next five years. The daily tasks include administering medication, assisting with household tasks, taking clients to appointments and working with doctors or therapists to ensure adequate support is in place. Some roles may advertise for live-in carers while others might require you to make house calls instead.

Employment consultant – job ads up 120 per cent

Qualifications needed: While candidates can complete a Certificate IV in Employment Services, strong communication and interpersonal skills are also advantageous.

Most common salary: $60,000

A role for people lovers, employment consultants help people gain new jobs, re-enter the work force and also counsel those looking to transition careers. The position offers a lot of flexibility in terms of whether you want to begin your own business or work as part of an existing career counselling group.

With more people transitioning careers and jobs due to COVID-19, employment consultants have a large role to play in helping people find meaningful employment. Picture: iStock.

ARE DEGREES BECOMING LESS RELEVANT?

When it comes to the relevance of tertiary education to employees, futurist Ross Dawson says the importance of a degree has been decreasing for years. Most recently this has also given rise to online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy, as well as short courses which allow employees to quickly upskill.

Even the 2020-21 Federal Budget reflected the changing times. In a bid to help Australia’s COVID recovery, the government announced funding for an additional 50,000 short courses to help train people in skills in areas like agriculture, health, science, IT and teaching.

“Decades ago we used to be able to go to university, get a degree and use what we learnt for years. Now any degree is out of date by the time you get it,” he says.

“In a fast moving world, any type of work is changing and so we all need to be learning throughout our lives and working careers.”

The impact of COVID-19 to our working lives has also changed how future employers will hire staff, with an increased focus on their digital presence.

“We now have more and more data on people and how they’re viewed by their colleagues,” he says.

“Employers are now looking for people who have done good work and are trusted by their peers.”

Mr Dawson says the increased casualisation of the workforce also means word-of-mouth recommendations will become more crucial during the recruitment process.

“Organisations now no longer just have full time employees. Now they have more and more freelancers, contractors and people working part time and all these people are more connected and more visible to communities and those who might hire them.”

With the required skill set needed for jobs rapidly changing, Mr Dawson says employees and employers will need to factor in continued education to remain relevant. Picture: iStock.

THE INCREASING COST OF ART DEGREES

This year’s graduating Year 12 cohort will also be the first to face increasing costs of humanities degrees, some of which have nearly doubled in price. Part of the Coalition’s controversial Job-Ready Graduates scheme, fees for humanities, social sciences and law degrees have soared, while those in “job-ready” fields like science, maths, health, psychology, nursing, English, languages and agriculture have been lowered.

Although Mr Dawson cites this move as being “extraordinarily short-sited,” he predicts it will influence not just the field they choose, but whether they’ll go to university at all.

“Looking at the future of work, it’s centred on creativity, relationships and the ability to have broader perspectives. All characteristics that are completely unautomatable,” he says.

“Universities know they have to shift to be relevant in a changing world and there’s a long way to go in how they’ll create people who will be able to prosper in a rapidly changing world at work.”

This article was created in partnership with SEEK