In-demand jobs, Skills Employers Want & Future-proof Your Aussie Career: I Read the National Careers Institute Jobs Report so you don't have to

Every year, The National Careers Institute and Jobs and Skills Australia release a detailed report about Australian labour market insights that help people working or seeking work in Australia to make informed decisions about their careers and studies. As a Career Coach for migrant professionals I keep up with labour market data and reading these reports is a skill that I quickly learned when i worked as a Job Coach for the Aussie government.

So, here it is, I have read the report and summarised it to help you and other migrant professionals navigate the job market and in-demand jobs in 2024 so that you can future-proof your career in Australia.

As a quick introduction - the reason I think this is important to read is because it is all data and not guessing.

2023 has been a tough time for job searching and I have been just as frustrated as some of you when there are no suitable jobs or you don't get responses to your applications. As a migrant professional in Australia it is easy to take it personally and think that it is your English or your accent, but it is not and it is happening to everyone. Why? The labour market in Australia and the impact that COVID has had. So, here is the data and what you should do to navigate the labour market in Australia in 2024.

What Industries are Most In-demand?

Many of you are working with migration agents and you know the roles that you need to target and the skills that you need to have, but it is important to know the jobs and skills that are in-demand in Australia so that you can future-proof your career and gain the skills that will get you a job.

The report identifies top industries in demand, including Scientific Research, Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Healthcare, Computer Systems Design, Law, Accountancy, Advertising, Market Research, Management, Consultancy, Veterinary Science, and Professional Photography. However, the demand for these jobs varies across states and regions in Australia, emphasizing the importance of being open-minded about the location of potential employment.

Not all jobs are in-demand everywhere in Australia and if you really want to work in your profession then you might have to be open minded about the state or area that you live in.

For example, the top 5 industries in NSW are (1) Health and Social Care, (2) Professional, Scientific and technical Trade, (3) Retail Trade, (4) Construction, and (5) Education and Training. However it is important to note that 33% of vacancies were not in Sydney but in Regional areas.

If you want to know more about the location and industry that you want to work in for the future then the Jobs and Skills Atlas is really helpful and I use this often. Remember, always look at the data. These is so much information online right now about the jobs you should do, and the skills migrants need and how you should apply for jobs, so either find someone you trust or check the data before you commit to study or moving to a new location.

Here is a Summary of the In-Demand Jobs in Each State

New South Wales: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Retail Trade, and Accommodation and Food Services.

Victoria: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Retail Trade, and Accommodation and Food Services.

Queensland: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Services, and Education and Training.

South Australia: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Services, and Education and Training.

Western Australia: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Retail Trade, Mining, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

Tasmania: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Services, and Education and Training.

Northern Territory: Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Public Administration and Safety, Retail Trade, and Education and Training.

Australian Capital Territory: Public Administration and Safety, Health Care and Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Education and Training, and Construction.

Where do Employers Advertise Jobs?

• The report highlights the diverse strategies employers employ to advertise jobs. In Greater Sydney and the rest of New South Wales, internet job boards dominated, with 64% and 51% usage, respectively. Greater Sydney witnessed a higher reliance on recruitment agencies and company websites.
• In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 65% of employers favored internet job boards, while word of mouth and direct approaches also played a crucial role.
• Greater Adelaide exhibited a 67% preference for internet job boards, contrasting with regional South Australia's 36%. Social media gained prominence in regional areas, constituting 43% of recruitment methods.
• Greater Melbourne showcased a high reliance on internet job boards (72%), surpassing regional Victoria's 53%. Newspapers were part of the recruitment landscape for regional employers, constituting 17%.
• In Queensland, 72% of recruiting employers preferred internet job boards, with word of mouth being a common practice. Regional areas stood out with a higher adoption of social media (34%) compared to Brisbane (24%).
• Perth in Western Australia demonstrated a robust reliance on internet job boards (71%), exceeding the national average, while 55% of regional employers used the internet for recruitment.
• Tasmania displayed a 61% preference for internet job boards in Hobart, with regional areas leaning more on word of mouth (34%) and social media (31%).
• The Northern Territory exhibited a higher use of internet job boards in Greater Darwin (63%) and the rest of the NT (61%), with regional employers emphasizing social media (59%).

Skills for the Future: What Jobs will be Available in Clean Energy?

The report specifically mentions the rise of 'clean employment' and the skills that Australia will need to meet the net Zero by 2050.

The report says that "Different regions in Australia are developing their clean energy sector using technologies that best suit the local environment. For?example, hydropower is dominant in Tasmania and the Snowy?Mountains and wind power is more dispersed with higher concentrations in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia".

According to the report, jobs that are in other sectors are also appearing in?the clean energy sector: ?

• Electrical Engineering
• Draftspersons and Technicians ?
• Automotive Electricians ?
• Motor Mechanics ?
• Electricians ?
• Electrical Distribution Trades Workers ?
• Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators ?
• Structural Steel Construction Workers
• Marine Transport Professionals ?
• Urban and Regional Planners ?
• Chemical and Materials Engineers ?
• Electrical Engineers ?
• Agricultural, Fisheries and Forestry Scientists ?
• Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists ?
• University Lecturers and Tutors/Vocational Education Teacher ?
• Occupational and Environmental Health Professional ?
• Construction Managers

Many of the jobs in the clean energy sector will need qualifications, but since it is an in-demand skills some of the qualifications are listed on the TAFE fee-free list for 2024. You can see more about the specific qualifications on the Your Career website.

What Soft Skills do Employers Want?

According to the report:

"In May 2023 two-thirds (67%) of recruiting employers reported recruitment difficulty and employers were taking longer to fill their vacant positions than was the case prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this, employers still take the time to look for people who are the right fit for their job and business. Generally, employers look for someone with the whole package: the right educational qualifications can be essential and work experience is often a pre-requisite".

Because of the skills shortage employability skills or soft skills as I call them are even more important, an employer can teach you the technical skills and if you find the right employer and show them how eager you are they will be willing to do this. But, the core employability skills that Australian employers are seeking in Australia are oral communication, teamwork, problem-solving, initiative, and innovation.

What are the Future Predictions Based on the Data From the Report?

The report says:

"It is worth noting that the pace of employment growth is forecast to slow in 2023–24 which, after a lag, will likely place considerable upward pressure on the long-term unemployment series going forward.

The May 2023 ABS Labour Force Survey results continued to reflect the underlying strength and resilience of the Australian labour market. That said, weaker economic growth, together with a number of other partial forward indicators, suggests that the labour market is likely to soften in the coming months. The ongoing impact of high interest rates and inflation, together with continued global uncertainty, is expected to weigh more heavily on economic growth and labour market activity in the second half of 2023. Ongoing strong net overseas migration, however, is likely to provide some offset

What Does This Mean and What Should We Do?

1. Gain relevant education and training: Most jobs in the future will require a vocational education and training (VET) or university qualification. It is important for job seekers to acquire the necessary qualifications and skills to meet the demands of the job market.
2. Develop work experience: Work experience is often a prerequisite for many jobs. Job seekers should aim to gain relevant work experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs to demonstrate their practical skills and knowledge.
3. Focus on employability skills: Employers look for candidates who possess a combination of technical skills and employability skills. Job seekers should emphasize their teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills, as these are highly valued by employers.
4. Customize job applications: Job seekers should tailor their resumes and job applications to each specific job they apply for. This helps them stand out from other applicants and shows their genuine interest in the position.
5. Network and approach employers: Actively networking and approaching employers can increase job seekers' chances of finding employment. Job seekers can reach out to employers directly, inquire about job openings, and express their interest in working for their organization.
6. Seek feedback and learn from rejections: Job seekers should not be discouraged by rejections. Instead, they should ask for feedback from employers to understand areas for improvement. Each application and interview experience can provide valuable lessons and help job seekers refine their job search skills.
7. Stay open-minded and consider different opportunities: Job seekers should be open to exploring various job opportunities, even if they may not align with their long-term career plans. All jobs provide valuable skills, experience, and references for future endeavors.