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SkillsTalk

3 career trends in Australia for 2020

By Fi Darby


The end of a calendar year can be a good time to assess the past and plan for the future. As 2019 draws to a close, you may find yourself contemplating a new job role or even a complete career change. It is important for anyone who is asking the question, ‘Which career is best for me?’ to understand future career trends in Australia. 

The most successful careers are often those in industries that are predicted to experience high levels of growth. It is important to keep a close eye on this because local and global influences can change career trends from year to year. To help you with your questions, SkillsTalk take a detailed look at career trends in Australia for 2020.

Career trends in Australia – the big picture

stacking blocks concept

  1. Australian industries predicted to see top increases in employment levels.
  2. Australian industries predicted to see the biggest declines in employment levels.
As far as careers in Australia go, the picture for 2019 has been positive. 22,000 more people in Australia have been in work than a year ago and unemployment has only increased by less than 0.1% (August figures). Even better news comes from predictions that Australia’s total employment will continue this positive trend and rise by 1.4% each year up to 2023. 

Whilst our overall trend is towards a larger workforce, we can expect to see fluctuations in different industry requirements. Some industries will experience reduced employment and others will offer great career opportunities. If you are open to making changes and gaining relevant qualifications, 2020 really could be your year.

1. Australian industries predicted to see top increases in employment levels.

  • Medical and Other Health Care Services
  • Social Assistance Services
  • Food and Beverage Services
  • Construction Services
  • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
  • Preschool and School Education
  • Hospitals

2. Australian industries predicted to see the biggest declines in employment levels.

  • Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling
  • Printing
  • Agriculture
  • Polymer Product and Rubber Product Manufacturing
  • Primary Metal and Metal Product Manufacturing
  • Basic Material Wholesaling
  • Rail Transport
Whether you are starting on the career ladder or switching to one of Australia’s booming industries, having the latest information can be really useful. This information will enable you to target your research and efforts. It will also help you to pinpoint exactly which new qualifications you might need.

Australian Career Trends 2020 – Which career is best for me?

Understanding job market trends can help with long-term career success. It is important to remember that each growth industry includes a wide range of job roles. For example, within the Social Assistance Services sector you might find work as a counsellor, a youth worker or a child and family advisor.

Changes in career trends can sometimes mean new job titles and qualification requirements. Below we have selected three of Australia’s high growth industries and gathered information for you on their predicted future growth, job roles and qualification levels.

3 Australian career trends for 2020

construction worker

  1. Health and social care.
  2. Construction services.
  3. Professional scientific and technical services.

1. Health and social care.

The future of Health and Social Care in Australia

By May 2023, it is predicted that Australia will have a Health Care and Social Assistance workforce of 1,680,900. This means that the number of Health Care and Social Assistance jobs is expected to grow by 14.9% between 2018 and 2023. Some of the strongest areas in this sector include:
  • Residential Care Services (13.4% job growth)
  • Social Assistance Services (19% job growth)
  • Child Care Services (14.2% job growth)
Job roles in Australian Health and Social Care

Job roles across the Health and Social Care sector are showing either ‘strong’ or ‘very strong’ growth. Top 2020 career trend choices include:
  • Welfare support workers (large occupation)
  • Youth workers (medium sized occupation)
  • Family support workers (small occupation)
Qualification levels in Australia’s Health and Social Care sector

2. Construction services.

The future of Construction Services in Australia

By May 2023, it is predicted that Australia will have a Construction workforce of 1,301,000. This means that the number of construction jobs is expected to grow by 10% between 2018 and 2023. Some of the strongest areas in this sector include:
  • Residential Building Construction (10.3% job growth)
  • Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (12.0% job growth)
  • Land Development and Site Preparation Services (9.3% job growth)
Job roles in Australian Construction

Job roles across the Construction sector are showing either ‘strong’ or ‘very strong’ growth. Top 2020 career trend choices include:
Qualification levels in Australia’s Construction sector

3. Professional scientific and technical services.

The future of Professional, Scientific and Technical Services in Australia

By May 2023, it is predicted that Australia will have a Professional, Scientific and Technical Services workforce of 1,050,000. This means that the number of Professional, Scientific and Technical jobs is expected to grow by 10.2% between 2018 and 2023. Some of the strongest areas in this sector include:
  • Management and Related Consulting Services (15% job growth)
  • Computer System Design and Related Services (15.6% job growth)
  • Legal and Accounting Services (8.5% job growth)
Job roles in Australian Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Job roles across the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector are showing either ‘strong’ or ‘very strong’ growth. Top 2020 career trend choices include: Qualification levels in Australia’s Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Start studying today for a career in one of Australia’s booming industries

We all have career goals and the start of a new year is a great time to improve your career prospects. Take some time before this year ends to understand the 2020 career trends across Australia. Once you have done that, you can decide your next steps. 

Nationally recognised online courses are a great way to gain essential skills and give your resume a boost. Upskilled’s range of online courses allows you to study in a flexible way, whilst meeting your current work and home commitments. Get in touch with our team today and find yourself working in one of Australia’s booming industries tomorrow! 
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