Are you looking to upskill or start a new career where you’ll have plenty of opportunities?
The Australian Government has released a list of 10 jobs that will be most in demand over the next five years, based on shortages, expected growth and the Skills Priority List.
From nurses to software programmers, here are the jobs that will be most urgently needed – and what you could study to get there.
1. Construction managers
If you love building and construction and feel you have leadership potential, you have a great opportunity to advance your career as a construction manager.
There is a high demand for skilled managers across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
You’ll plan, direct, and oversee all aspects of the building process – from planning and design to development, construction, and the day-to-day operation of the job site.
The AIB is a professional member-based organisation established to represent construction industry individuals from around Australia.
Australian Institute of Building (AIB)
2. Civil engineering professionals
Civil engineers help to plan, design, build and maintain the infrastructure our communities need to function – like our roads, bridges, railways and water systems.
This could be a great career path for you if you love maths and science, are good at solving problems and enjoy managing projects.
As a civil engineer, you can run your own practice or work for government authorities, private industry consulting firms, or major construction companies.
As the profession’s peak body, Engineers Australia is the trusted voice of engineering, in Australia and overseas.
3. Early childhood teachers
If you’re good with children, there are lots of career opportunities in early childhood teaching, working in kindergartens and childcare centres.
You’ll be making a real difference in shaping kids’ futures, helping to nurture their educational, social and emotional development through a combination of learning and play.
Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been a voice for young children since 1938. We are the peak early childhood advocacy organisation, acting in the interests of young children, their families and those in the early childhood field.
4. Registered nurses
Nurses play an essential role in healthcare – perfect for people who are caring by nature, love working at a fast pace and are good at juggling tasks and details.
As a registered nurse, you’ll be able to work in a range of diverse areas, from emergency to aged care, mental health, paediatric care, general practice and more.
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia.
Australian Primary Health Nurses Association
ANMAC is the external accreditation entity for nursing and midwifery programs of study.
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council
5. ICT business & systems analysts
Are you fascinated by data? As businesses become increasingly driven by information and technology, there is high demand for experts who can apply data to solve business problems.
With skills across data science and visualisation, machine learning, cloud technology, and IT project management, you will find solutions, improve systems and processes, and create new opportunities for business success.
ACS is the leading professional association with over 47,000 members representing Australia’s technology community, across industry, government, and education.
Australian Computer Society Incorporated
6. Software & applications programmers
If you dream in code, you’re in luck. Software and app developers are always in high demand, with plenty of opportunities to use your technical and problem-solving skills in interesting and creative ways.
As a programmer, you can work to develop, test, and update web and mobile apps and software programs across a huge range of industries – and earn a great living doing what you love.
Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA) is a not-for-profit organisation launched in 2016 to advance the understanding of ICT matters within the community, corporate and government sectors in Australia.
Information Technology Professionals Association
7. Electricians
Do you like working with your hands, solving problems, and using maths? You might make a good electrician – a job with lots of flexibility and great earning potential.
As an electrician, you can run your own business, or find jobs across a range of domestic, commercial, or industrial settings, including the manufacturing, construction, and mining industries.
NECA is the National Electrical and Communications Association, is the peak industry body representing the interests of the electrical and communications contracting industry across Australia.
National Electrical & Communications Association
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is a skills assessment service for people with trade skills gained overseas or in Australia for migration.
8. Chefs
Turn your passion for great food into a creative, fast-paced career as a chef.
The hospitality industry is full of opportunities for chefs – whether it’s in a fancy restaurant, a tiny laneway bar, a hotel, or a catering company.
As well as creating dishes, you could find yourself busy planning menus, sourcing ingredients, managing staff, and a range of other duties to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
The Australian Culinary Federation is the peak industry organisation representing professional Chefs, Cooks, Young Chefs, Apprentices and Culinary Students across all matters relevant to the cooking and hospitality industries.
Restaurant and Catering (R&CA) is the peak association for small businesses delivering tangible outcomes within the hospitality industry by influencing the policy decisions and regulations that impact the industry.
Restaurant and Catering (R&CA)
9. Childcare workers
Looking after children can be a fun and rewarding career, with lots of job opportunities across childcare centres, community services, education programs and private homes.
As a childcare worker, you might find yourself supervising children in their day-to-day routines, planning activities, preparing materials for learning or play, providing entertainment, and supporting their social and behavioural development.
Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) is the national peak body championing excellence in early learning for children and supporting parents and service providers.
Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA)
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Limited develops expertise and empowers teachers and school leaders to create better education outcomes for Australian children.
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Ltd
10. Aged & disabled care workers
If you are compassionate, flexible, and great with people, working in aged or disability support could be a fulfilling career path for you.
There is always a large demand for skilled care and support workers across residential, healthcare, and community settings. You’ll be making a genuine difference in people’s lives, supporting their independence and wellbeing.
Australian College of Care Workers is a Self-Regulating National Registration for Care Workers working in Aged Care, Disability, Mental Health, Community and other health care related facilities.
Australian College of Care Workers
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