The document provides an overview of the Australian labor market in 2011, including: 1) Information on national, state, and territory labor market trends, the changing industry structure, occupations, and skills in demand. 2) How individuals can use the document to explore career and education options, find work, or get assistance entering or re-entering the labor market. 3) Regional labor markets vary significantly based on industry composition, workforce demographics, and the types of jobs and skills needed locally.

1. 2011
AUSTRALIAN JOBS

2. Contents
National, state and territory labour markets HOW CAN I USE
Labour market overview 4 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011?
National overview 5
New South Wales 6 Australian Jobs 2011 presents information for people exploring careers or
Victoria 7 education and training options, as well as those currently looking for work
Queensland 8 or wanting assistance to enter or re-enter the labour market. The publication
South Australia 9 includes information about employment trends by region, occupation and
Western Australia 10 industry, together with projected employment growth and job prospects.
Tasmania 11
The 2011 edition focuses on the variations in labour markets across regions
Northern Territory 12
of Australia. Regional labour markets vary markedly in terms of their industry
Australian Capital Territory 12
composition, age and educational profiles. It is useful to know which are the
Industries key industries in your region and to understand the profile of the workforce,
as this information gives you an insight into where the jobs are, how strong
Industry overview 13
replacement demand will be, whether new jobs are being created and
Australia’s changing industry structure 14
Accommodation and Food Services 14 whether jobs are likely to require high levels of skill or qualification.
Administrative and Support Services 15 Although the requirements for specific skills vary across regions and
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 15 industries, overall, the demand for skilled workers is growing strongly
Arts and Recreation Services 16 as the Australian economy continues to strengthen.
Construction 16
It is also true that no matter in which region or industry you work,
Education and Training 17
employers place very strong value on employability skills, that is, those
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 17
non-technical skills required to work effectively (information is on page 30).
Financial and Insurance Services 18
When you are competing with many people for positions, it can be difficult
Health Care and Social Assistance 18
to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Australian Jobs provides an
Information Media and Telecommunications 19
insight into the value of post-school education and training, as well as
Manufacturing 19
providing information about employability skills, to help you get the job you
Mining 20
want, develop your career and support you to make informed choices.
Other Services 20
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 21 The publication also highlights Government services available to assist you
Public Administration and Safety 21 if you are looking for a job or want support for training or need help after
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 22 you have found a job (pages 32 to 34).
Retail Trade 22
While education and training is vital, one of the most difficult challenges, that
Transport, Postal and Warehousing 23
even the most highly educated person can face, is breaking into the labour
Wholesale Trade 23
market with little or no workplace experience. It’s important to keep in mind
Occupations and skills that an entry level job can provide you with the workplace skills and experience
that will be the vital first stepping stone to success in the labour market.
Occupational overview 24
Occupational clusters and skill level 25 Although information contained in Australian Jobs 2011 is as up-to-date as
Industry and occupational projections 26 we can make it, the labour market can change quickly and the skills needed
Who is in-training? 27 by employers vary across industries and geographic locations. Consequently,
Education and employment 28 employment and training decisions need to be based on a range of
Employability skills 30 information including expectations about pay, working conditions, skills and
Skills for sustainability 31 interests as well as training requirements and long term goals. Consider
Employment, education and training services 32 information from a wide range of sources. Useful sites include
Regional assistance 33
www.deewr.gov.au – education, training, employment and
Job Prospects Matrix workplace information
Guide to the Job Prospects Matrix 35 www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au – careers options and job requirements
Job Prospects Matrix 36
www.joboutlook.gov.au – occupational information
Australian Jobs 2011 data sources 43
www.jobsearch.gov.au – current employment vacancies
www.myfuture.edu.au – get the facts and personalise your
Inquiries about Australian Jobs should be directed to careers exploration.
AustralianJobs@deewr.gov.au
The content of Australian Jobs 2011 is based on information available at the time of publication. Over time, the reliability of the data and analysis may
diminish. The Commonwealth, its officers, employees and agents do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies contained in the report or for any
negligence in the compilation of the report and disclaim liability for any loss suffered for any person arising from the use of this report. Labour market
information must be used cautiously as employment prospects can change over time and vary by region. It is important in making and assessing career
choices to consider all factors, including interests and aptitudes, remuneration and expectations, and the requirements of occupations.
2 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011

3. Minister’s foreword
Australia has a strong labour market, and our continued low unemployment confirms the underlying strength of the Australian
economy. It is clear, though, that the natural disasters over early 2011 have taken a significant toll on the people and the economy
in Queensland, and we now have an unprecedented rebuilding task.
Many more skilled workers will be needed, not only to meet the challenges of this task, but also to meet employer needs
nationally as the economy continues to grow. The Australian Government is continuing to invest in skills, training and education.
This focus is important to ensure that employers have the skilled labour they need and to enable all Australians, no matter where
they live, to share in the enormous benefits and opportunities provided by a strong economy.
Developing a highly skilled and educated workforce is at the very heart of the Gillard Government’s plan to build an economy that
will meet the challenges of the future.
To meet the strong skills demand, the Gillard Government has made record investments in education and training. Our landmark
reforms have opened the doors of Australian universities to a new generation of students. In 2011 there are an extra 50 000
undergraduate students enrolled at Australian universities compared with 2009.
There are also now a record 448 800 apprentices and trainees in-training across the nation.
At every age and at every stage in life, Australians must have access to education and training to gain the skills they need to take
the high-paid, high-skilled jobs on offer in our economy.
The Australian Jobs 2011 publication supports this aim by providing a wealth of information about the labour market and about
Australian Government services which can assist you if you need help to develop your skills or find employment. It highlights the
industries in which employment is expected to grow most strongly over the next five years and provides an insight into regional
labour markets and the opportunities they provide.
I recommend this valuable resource to anyone interested in education, training and work.
Chris Evans
AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 3

4. National, state and territory labour markets
LABOUR MARKET OVERVIEW
The changing labour market Unemployment Rate and Annual Employment
Growth, March 1991 to March 2011 (%)
Over the last 20 years, the nature of the Australian labour market has
changed considerably. Today’s workforce is different from the one that Unemployment Rate (%) Annual Employment Growth (%)
existed several decades ago. Over this period, we have seen 12.0 6.0
• the ageing of the population 5.0
10.0
• a considerable increase in the participation of women in the workforce 4.0
• a much greater focus on skilled jobs and slower growth in lower skilled jobs
Annual Employment Growth (%)
3.0
Unemployment Rate (%)
8.0
• a greater number of young people choosing to participate in education 2.0
• technological change, greater labour market flexibility and economic 6.0 1.0
reforms which have helped to transform peoples’ working arrangements. 0.0
4.0
Following the end of the early 1990s recession up until the onset of the -1.0
global recession in September 2008, the demand for workers in Australia -2.0
was high. 2.0
-3.0
• Indeed, over the 15 years to September 2008, employment growth
0.0 -4.0
was exceptionally strong, increasing by around 3.2 million (or an
Mar-91
Mar-92
Mar-93
Mar-94
Mar-95
Mar-96
Mar-97
Mar-98
Mar-99
Mar-00
Mar-01
Mar-02
Mar-03
Mar-04
Mar-05
Mar-06
Mar-07
Mar-08
Mar-09
Mar-10
Mar-11
annual average rate of 2.3%).
• Full-time employment rose by 1.9 million over the period (an annual Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, trend data
average rate of 1.9%), while part-time employment increased by
almost 1.3 million (or an annual average rate of 3.6%), although the Interesting facts about regional
rise in part-time employment was clearly off a much lower base.
labour markets
The global recession and the There are more than 4.1 million jobs in regional Australia. Five industries
employ more than 300 000 workers in regional Australia. These industries
labour market are Retail Trade (463 400 workers), Health Care and Social Assistance
Following the onset of the global recession the Australian labour market (461 500), Construction (395 800), Manufacturing (347 400) and
slowed significantly. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (331 500).
• Employment increased by just 0.4% between September 2008 and
Those job seekers who are mobile, or who are prepared to up-skill or
September 2009, compared with an annual average growth rate of
retrain, particularly in occupations where there are shortages, will have
2.8% over the five years to September 2008.
a great advantage in the labour market.
• The unemployment rate increased, from 4.3% in September 2008 to
• The Government offers a broad range of assistance to help job seekers
a peak of 5.8% in September 2009.
to train (see pages 32 to 34).
• Unemployment rose significantly over the year to September 2009 (up
• There are also incentives available for eligible job seekers who are
by 182 900 or 37.6%). However, this would have been much larger had
considering relocating for work or an apprenticeship (see page 33).
employers not chosen, at least in the first instance, to reduce employee
hours in an attempt to avoid redundancies. Keeping in touch with local labour market conditions and what skills are in
• Reflecting this, over the year to September 2009, the level of part-time demand is also important.
employment increased by 182 400 (or 5.9%) while full-time • If you are considering moving to find work, or just want to research your
employment declined by 136 400 (or 1.7%). local labour market, you can explore facts and figures about your region
• A number of other factors also helped restrict the rise in unemployment through the Labour Market Information Portal (www.deewr.gov.au/lmip).
in Australia during the global recession, including significant investments • Other resources such as www.deewr.gov.au/skillshortages will let
in public infrastructure and resilient demand for our mining exports. you know what skilled occupations are currently in shortage.
• Information on outcomes for university and vocational education and
Recovery from the global recession training graduates can also be a valuable resource for informing your
career choices (see pages 28 and 29).
Labour market conditions have strengthened considerably since the height
of the global recession and have been particularly robust over the past year. Jobs Services Australia providers are located in more than 2100 towns,
• Employment increased solidly, by 309 500 (or 2.8%) between March cities and rural sites across Australia. Job Services Australia provides
2010 and March 2011, with more than 90% of total employment opportunities for training, skills development, work experience and tailored
growth accounted for by full-time employment. assistance. See page 32 for more information.
• The unemployment rate fell from 5.3% to 4.9%.
• The participation rate (the proportion of adults in Australia who are either
employed or are looking for work) increased by 0.5 percentage points over
the year to stand at a near record high of 65.8% in March 2011.
4 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011

5. National, state and territory labour markets
NATIONAL OVERVIEW
Australia’s labour market the employment growth rate was strongest in the Northern Territory, the
small size of its labour force means there was a relatively small number
Key labour market statistics
of new jobs, 23 700 (or 2% of new jobs nationally) .
Employment (number) 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 13.1 Australia has an ageing workforce, with almost two out of every five
Working part-time % 30 workers (38%) aged 45 years or older, up from 33% a decade ago. Over
Female % 45 the same period, the proportion of employed persons aged under 25 has
Aged 45 years or older % 38 fallen slightly from 18% to 17%.
Employment outside state capital cities % 37
Education Capital cities and regional areas
Without post-school qualifications % 39 There are sound opportunities for employment in regional Australia. In
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 30 November 2010, there were more than 4.1 million people employed in
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 26 regional Australia, more than one in three workers (37%).
The labour market varies markedly across regions with a number of areas
Australia’s population is around 22.3 million and almost 11.4 million Australians
experiencing strong employment growth and low unemployment rates.
are employed. The workforce is highly concentrated, with more than three in
Even in those regions where unemployment is relatively high, some employers
every four workers employed in the three most populous states. New South
experience difficulty recruiting, particularly in skilled occupations. This is
Wales is the largest employing state with around 3.6 million workers, followed
largely due to a mismatch between the ‘pool of skills’ and those needed by
by Victoria, almost 2.9 million, and Queensland, 2.3 million. The smallest state, local employers. For example, many people looking for work may have limited
Tasmania, employs 237 400 workers, although the Australian Capital Territory qualifications, but employers need highly skilled people.
and the Northern Territory have smaller workforces.
Workers in regional areas are less likely to have studied after they have
Despite the impact of the global recession, particularly from late 2008 to left school indicating there are real advantages for workers in these areas
late 2009, every state and territory recorded an increase in employment to gain post-school qualifications to meet the skill needs of local employers.
over the five years to November 2010. The strongest growth was recorded It is also interesting to note, that employment growth in New South Wales
in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland, which all has been stronger in regional areas over the past five years than it has been
recorded growth in excess of 15% (compared with 13.1% nationally), due in Sydney highlighting the demand for workers in these locations.
in large part to high levels of activity in the resources sector.
The table below shows that, generally speaking, the workforce tends to be
However, the largest numbers of new jobs created over the five years were older in regional areas than in metropolitan areas. This suggests there will
in the three largest states of Victoria (up by 362 400 or 14.5%), New South be strong demand for workers in these areas to replace those who retire
Wales (348 900 or 10.7%) and Queensland (309 900 or 15.3%). Although over the next decade.
Employment by state, city and region
% of employed
Employ’t Employ’t Aged
Aged 45 persons (aged
Employ’t change change younger
years or 15-64) without
Nov 2010 1 year to 5 years to than 25
older post-school
Nov 2010 Nov 2010 years
qualifications1
‘000 ‘000 % ‘000 % % %
New South Wales 3595.5 127.6 3.7 348.9 10.7 16 38 36
Sydney 2299.1 37.2 1.6 167.0 7.8 16 36 36
Regional NSW 1224.1 34.2 2.9 137.4 12.6 16 43 43
Victoria 2856.8 95.4 3.5 362.4 14.5 17 38 38
Melbourne 2102.9 80.1 4.0 245.4 13.2 17 36 39
Regional VIC 707.4 21.4 3.1 85.3 13.7 16 44 46
Queensland 2330.6 74.4 3.3 309.9 15.3 18 38 42
Brisbane 1061.8 21.5 2.1 114.7 12.1 19 35 43
Regional QLD 1240.9 28.2 2.3 192.6 18.4 18 40 49
South Australia 815.6 13.2 1.6 67.8 9.1 17 41 42
Adelaide 600.1 19.4 3.3 53.5 9.8 18 40 44
Regional SA 209.4 -6.0 -2.8 13.0 6.6 15 45 52
Western Australia 1225.9 45.0 3.8 166.0 15.7 18 38 42
Perth 907.7 24.1 2.7 138.2 18.0 19 38 42
Regional WA 302.2 5.5 1.9 35.9 13.5 15 41 50
Tasmania 237.4 4.9 2.1 14.4 6.5 17 43 44
Hobart 102.0 0.6 0.6 -6.2 -5.7 17 41 43
Regional Tasmania 134.2 0.5 0.3 23.5 21.2 16 44 49
Northern Territory 122.9 2.1 1.8 23.7 23.9 17 36 42
Australian Capital Territory 205.1 6.5 3.3 20.3 11.0 18 36 33
Australia 11 390.1 369.0 3.3 1316.8 13.1 17 38 39
1
Data for the states and Australia are from the ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010. Data for state capital cites and regional areas are from the 2006 Census (latest available data).
AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 5

6. National, state and territory labour markets
NEW SOUTH WALES
New South Wales is the largest employing state, with almost one in every three Regional New South Wales
Australian workers (3.6 million). Employment is concentrated in Sydney which
accounts for almost two-thirds of the state’s employment. The largest In regional New South Wales, around 60% of those employed work in three
employing industries are Health Care and Social Assistance (404 900), of the nine regions, Newcastle; Northern, North Western and Central West;
Retail Trade (364 900) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and Richmond-Tweed and Mid-North Coast.
(304 300), which collectively account for about 30% of the state’s employment. Over the year to November 2010, employment grew more strongly in regional
Employment grew by 348 900 or 10.7% over the five years to November New South Wales than it did in Sydney (2.9% compared with 1.6%). The
2010, compared with national growth of 13.1%. Employment rose in 16 of strongest growth was in Newcastle, up by 8.8% or 21 500, and Illawarra, up by
the 19 industries, with the largest numbers of new jobs being in Health Care 6.7% or 3900. On the other hand, employment in Far West NSW fell by 22.0%.
and Social Assistance (92 500), Professional, Scientific and Technical The largest employing industries in regional New South Wales are Health Care
Services (54 800) and Education and Training (39 500). Over the past year, and Social Assistance (150 000), Retail Trade (136 200) and Construction
employment has increased by 3.7% compared with national growth of 3.3%. (104 800). Over the year to November 2010, the largest numbers of new jobs
The New South Wales workforce is relatively highly skilled with 64% of were in Education and Training (12 300), Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
workers holding a post-school qualification compared with 61% nationally. It (11 200) and Health Care and Social Assistance (11 100).
also has a higher proportion of workers who hold a Bachelor degree or higher The proportion of workers who do not hold post-school qualifications is
qualification than the national average (29% compared with 26%). higher in regional areas than it is in Sydney (43% compared with 36%).
More than 70% of New South Wales workers are employed full-time, and Regional areas also have a lower proportion of people participating in the
45% of workers are female. The proportion of workers aged 45 years or older workforce (60% compared with 66% in Sydney).
is the same as the national average (38%).
Employment by Region, Nov 2010 (% of total) Employment Growth, Year to Nov 2010 (%)
Population and Employment
Population Employment
1 year 1 year Aged Certificate
Aged 45 Bachelor
June change change younger III/IV No post-
Nov 2010 % of years degree or
2009 to June to Nov than 25 or higher school qual
(‘000) 2 total2 or older higher qual
(‘000)1 2009 2010 years VET qual (%) 3
(%) 2 (%) 3
(%)1 (%) 2
(%) 2
(%) 3
Sydney 4504.5 1.9 2299.1 65.3 1.6 16 36 29 26 36
Richmond-Tweed
551.5 1.4 223.3 6.3 2.6 13 47 15 31 43
and Mid-North Coast
Murray-Murrumbidgee 277.1 1.1 135.9 3.9 0.7 17 47 14 29 47
Newcastle 540.8 1.4 266.1 7.6 8.8 19 38 17 33 41
Hunter 103.5 1.3 51.2 1.5 0.9 17 49 11 34 45
Wollongong 289.0 1.2 124.6 3.5 -0.1 19 36 19 33 38
Illawarra 142.2 1.6 62.8 1.8 6.7 20 46 16 34 40
South Eastern 216.6 1.6 106.8 3.0 -5.3 13 47 17 30 43
Northern, North Western
486.5 1.2 244.4 6.9 4.5 16 43 14 29 46
and Central West
Far West 22.7 -0.5 9.1 0.3 -22.0 11 57 12 27 51
New South Wales 7134.4 1.7 3595.5 100.0 3.7 16 38 294 294 36 4
Sources: 1ABS Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009; 2ABS Labour Force Survey; 3ABS 2006 Census; 4ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010 (data available at national and state levels only).
6 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011

7. National, state and territory labour markets
VICTORIA
Victoria is the second largest employing state, with one-quarter of the Regional Victoria
nation’s employment (almost 2.9 million). Employment is highly
The largest employing areas in regional Victoria are Barwon-Western District
concentrated in Melbourne which accounts for three-quarters of the state’s
(195 100) and Goulburn-Ovens-Murray (143 300). Over the year to November
workforce. The largest employing industries are Retail Trade (317 300),
2010, growth was strongest in All Gippsland, up by 10.9% or 13 300, and
Health Care and Social Assistance (313 100) and Manufacturing (305 800),
Goulburn-Ovens-Murray, up by 5.9% or 8000. Central Highlands-Wimmera
which together account for about one in every three workers.
recorded the only fall in employment (down by 3.3%).
State employment grew by 362 400 or 14.5% over the five years to November
The largest employing industries in regional Victoria are Health Care and Social
2010, stronger than the national growth rate of 13.1%. Employment rose in 17
Assistance (84 500), Retail Trade (80 900) and Manufacturing (80 300). A large
of the 19 industries, with the largest numbers of new jobs created in Health
number of jobs were created in regional Victoria over the year to November 2010,
Care and Social Assistance (55 800), Construction (51 000) and Education
particularly in Construction (10 700) and Other Services ( 6100).
and Training (45 900). The largest fall in employment was in Manufacturing
(down by 18 700 or 5.8%). Over the past year, employment in Victoria Workers in regions outside Melbourne are less likely to hold post-school
increased by 3.5% compared with national growth of 3.3%. qualifications than their city counterparts (54% hold post-school
qualifications compared with 61% in Melbourne). The proportion of workers
The Victorian workforce is relatively highly skilled with 30% of workers holding
who hold Certificate III/IV Vocational Education and Training qualifications
a Bachelor degree or higher qualification compared with 26% nationally.
varies little across metropolitan and regional areas. There is a marked
About 45% of workers are female, and 31% of workers are employed difference though between Melbourne and regional locations in the proportion
part-time compared with 30% for Australia. The proportion of the Victorian of workers who hold a Bachelor degree or higher qualification (28% in
workforce aged 45 years or older is the same as the national average (38%). Melbourne compared with 15% in regional Victoria).
Regional Victoria also has a lower proportion of people participating in the
workforce (63% compared with 67% in Melbourne).
Employment by Region, Nov 2010 (% of total) Employment Growth, Year to Nov 2010 (%)
Population and Employment
Population Employment
1 year 1 year Aged Certificate
Aged 45 Bachelor
June change Nov change younger III/IV or No post-
% of years degree or
2009 to June 2010 to Nov than 25 higher school qual
total2 or older higher qual
(‘000)1 2009 (‘000) 2 2010 years VET qual (%) 3
(%) 2 (%) 3
(%)1 (%) 2
(%) 2
(%) 3
Melbourne 3995.5 2.4 2102.9 74.8 4.0 17 36 28 25 39
Barwon-Western District 391.4 1.8 195.1 6.9 0.2 15 42 17 30 45
Central Highlands-Wimmera 206.5 1.7 100.8 3.6 -3.3 19 38 17 29 46
Loddon-Mallee 278.4 1.5 132.7 4.7 2.5 17 46 16 29 47
Goulburn-Ovens-Murray 310.0 1.1 143.3 5.1 5.9 17 47 14 30 48
All Gippsland 261.5 1.9 135.5 4.8 10.9 16 48 14 32 46
Victoria 5443.2 2.1 2856.8 100.0 3.5 17 38 30 4 28 4 38 4
1 2 3 4
Sources: ABS Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009; ABS Labour Force Survey; ABS 2006 Census; ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010 (data available at national and state levels only).
AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 7

8. National, state and territory labour markets
QUEENSLAND
Queensland is the third largest employing state, with one in every five Regional Queensland
Australian workers (2.3 million). Employment is regionally dispersed with
54% of employment outside Brisbane. The figures presented on this page Over the year to November 2010, regional employment growth in
do not reflect the effects of the natural disasters which occurred in early Queensland was stronger than metropolitan growth (2.3% compared
2011 but clearly these have had, and will continue to have, a pronounced with 2.1% in Brisbane).
impact on the state’s labour market. The largest employing regions outside Brisbane are the Gold Coast, where
The largest employing industries are Retail Trade (262 500), Health Care slightly more than one in eight Queensland workers is employed (12.7%) and
and Social Assistance (252 200) and Construction (236 100), which Mackay-Fitzroy-Central West which accounts for almost one in ten (9.1%).
together account for almost one-third of employment in Queensland.
Over the year to November 2010, employment growth was strongest in
Employment grew by 309 900 or 15.3% over the five years to November West Moreton, up by 6.6% or 2400, Northern-North West Queensland, up
2010, compared with national growth of 13.1%. The largest numbers of by 5.9% or 8300, and the Sunshine Coast up by 5.0% or 7400. Consistent
new jobs were in Health Care and Social Assistance (64 300), Construction with the state as a whole, the largest employing industries in regional
(35 000) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (29 400). The Queensland are Retail Trade (152 000), Health Care and Social Assistance
only fall was in Information Media and Telecommunications (down by 4400 (132 900) and Construction (132 300). The largest numbers of new jobs
or 12.3%). Over the past year, employment in Queensland rose by 3.3%, over the past year were created in Health Care and Social Assistance
the same rate as the national average. (11 600) and Public Administration and Safety (10 500).
Queensland has a slightly higher proportion of workers who do not hold The proportion of workers who do not hold post-school qualifications
post-school qualifications than the national average (42% compared with is higher in regional areas of Queensland than it is in Brisbane (49%
39%). It also has a lower proportion of workers who hold a Bachelor degree compared with 43%).
or higher qualification than the national average (21% compared with 26%),
but a slightly higher proportion of workers who hold Certificate III/IV or higher Regional areas also have a lower proportion of people participating
Vocational Education and Training qualifications (32% compared with 30%). in the workforce (66% compared with 69% in Brisbane).
About 46% of Queensland workers are female compared with 45%
nationally and 29% of workers are employed part-time compared with
30% nationally. The workforce has the same proportion of workers aged
45 years or older as the national average (38%).
Employment by Region, Nov 2010 (% of total) Employment Growth, Year to Nov 2010 (%)
Population and Employment
Population Employment
1 year 1 year Aged Certificate
Aged 45 Bachelor
June change Nov change younger III/IV or No post-
% of years degree or
2009 to June 2010 to Nov than 25 higher school qual
total2 or older higher qual
(‘000)1 2009 (‘000) 2 2010 years VET qual (%) 3
(%) 2 (%) 3
(%)1 (%) 2 (%) 2
(%) 3
Brisbane 1962.4 2.6 1061.8 46.1 2.1 19 35 23 26 43
Sunshine Coast 323.4 3.0 154.4 6.7 5.0 21 41 15 32 44
West Moreton 80.2 4.3 38.2 1.7 6.6 15 45 9 27 56
Wide Bay-Burnett 293.5 3.1 123.8 5.4 0.8 17 47 11 29 51
Mackay-Fitzroy-Central West 398.4 2.4 208.8 9.1 -0.3 16 35 12 29 51
Darling Downs-South West 264.7 1.9 138.2 6.0 -0.4 16 45 14 26 52
Northern-North West 261.3 2.2 149.3 6.5 5.9 20 36 15 28 50
Far North 269.7 2.6 135.1 5.9 2.7 19 35 14 30 47
Gold Coast 571.4 3.2 293.1 12.7 2.4 16 39 15 30 46
Queensland 4425.1 2.7 2330.6 100.0 3.3 18 38 214 324 424
Sources: 1ABS Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009; 2ABS Labour Force Survey; 3ABS 2006 Census; 4ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010 (data available at national and state levels only).
8 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011

9. National, state and territory labour markets
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia is the second smallest employing state, with 7% of the Regional South Australia
nation’s employment (815 600). Employment is highly concentrated in
Regional South Australia has two labour force regions and they differ
Adelaide which employs almost three in every four of the state’s workers.
markedly in terms of both geographic area and employment size. Southern
The largest employing industries in South Australia are Health Care and Social
and Eastern SA accounts for almost 17% of state employment and Northern
Assistance (106 100), Retail Trade (91 700) and Manufacturing (80 800).
and Western SA, which covers a much larger area, accounts for 9%. Over
Combined, these industries employ one in every three workers in the state.
the year to November 2010, employment fell by 1.3% in Southern and
Employment across the state rose by 67 800 or 9.1% over the five years to Eastern SA and by 5.5% in Northern and Western SA.
November 2010, lower than the national rate of 13.1%. Employment rose in
The largest employing industries in regional South Australia are Agriculture,
15 of the 19 industries, with the largest numbers of new jobs being in Forestry, and Fishing (31 000), Manufacturing (25 300) and Health Care
Construction (19 300), Health Care and Social Assistance (17 500) and and Social Assistance (24 300). Over the past year, the largest numbers
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (8200). Over the past year, of new jobs were in Construction (3200) and Manufacturing (1500).
employment grew by 1.6% compared with national growth of 3.3%.
A smaller proportion of workers in regional South Australia hold post-school
South Australia has a slightly lower proportion of workers who hold qualifications than their city counterparts (48% compared with 56%). The
post-school qualifications than the national average (58% compared proportion of workers who hold Certificate III/IV Vocational Education and
with 61%), and a lower proportion holding a Bachelor degree or higher Training qualifications varies little across metropolitan and regional areas.
qualification (23% compared with the national average of 26%). There is a marked difference though between Adelaide and regional
South Australia’s workforce has a relatively old age profile, with 41% of locations in the proportion of workers who hold a Bachelor degree or
higher qualification (21% in Adelaide compared with 11% in regional
workers aged 45 years or older compared with 38% nationally. It also has
South Australia).
a slightly higher proportion of its workers employed part-time than the
national average (32% compared with 30%) and slightly more of its The proportion of people participating in the workforce is slightly lower
workers are female (46% compared with 45%). in regional areas than in Adelaide (62% compared with 64%).
Employment by Region, Nov 2010 (% of total) Employment Growth, Year to Nov 2010 (%)
Population and Employment
Population Employment
1 year 1 year Aged Certificate
Aged 45 Bachelor
June change Nov change younger III/IV No post-
% of years or degree or
2009 to June 2010 to Nov than 25 or higher school qual
total2 older higher qual
(‘000)1 2009 (‘000) 2 2010 years VET qual (%) 3
(%) 2 (%) 3
(%)1 (%) 2
(%) 2
(%) 3
Adelaide 1187.5 1.3 600.1 74.1 3.3 18 40 21 27 44
Southern and Eastern SA 273.0 1.2 136.9 16.9 -1.3 15 44 11 28 52
Northern and Western SA 163.1 0.9 72.5 9.0 -5.5 14 46 11 27 53
South Australia 1623.6 1.2 815.6 100.0 1.6 17 41 234 304 424
Sources: 1ABS Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009; 2ABS Labour Force Survey; 3ABS 2006 Census; 4ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010 (data available at national and state levels only).
AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 9

10. National, state and territory labour markets
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia is the fourth largest employing state, with around one in Regional Western Australia
ten Australian workers (1.2 million). Employment is highly concentrated in
In regional Western Australia, employment is spread fairly evenly across
Perth which accounts for three-quarters of the state’s employment.
the two regions, Lower Western WA and Remainder-Balance WA. About
The largest employing industries in Western Australia are Construction 32 000 of Western Australia’s 82 400 Mining jobs are located in regional
(128 800), Retail Trade (120 700) and Health Care and Social Assistance areas. In addition to local employment, the labour market in regional
(117 800). Together, these industries account for around 30% of state jobs. Western Australia is supplemented by workers employed in the Mining
industry on a fly-in fly-out basis.
Employment grew by 15.7% (166 000) over the five years to November
2010, outstripping the national growth rate of 13.1%. Employment rose Over the year to November 2010, most new jobs were created in Remainder-
in 15 of the 19 industries. The largest numbers of new jobs were created Balance WA, up by 12 800 or 9.9%. This was due mainly to mining projects
in Mining (34 700), Construction (30 700) and Professional, Scientific and in the region which accounted for almost one-third of all new jobs.
Technical Services (21 300). Over the past year, employment has increased Employment in regional Western Australia is driven mainly by Construction
by 3.8% compared with national growth of 3.3%. (36 000), Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (33 900) and Mining (31 800),
Western Australia has a lower proportion of workers who hold a Bachelor with some construction activity taking place in the mining sector. The
largest numbers of new jobs over the past year were in Mining (7500)
degree or higher qualification than the national average (23% compared
and Other Services (5700).
with 26%), although it has a higher proportion of workers who hold
Certificate III/IV Vocational Education and Training qualifications or higher The proportion of workers who do not hold post-school qualifications is higher
(32% compared with 30%). in regional areas of Western Australia than it is in Perth (50% compared with
42%). The proportion of workers who hold Vocational Education and Training
Western Australia has a slightly higher proportion of its workers employed
qualifications varies little across metropolitan and regional areas. There is a
full-time than the national average (71% compared with 70%). About 38% marked difference though between Perth and regional locations in the
of workers are aged 45 years or older, the same as the national average, proportion of workers who hold a Bachelor degree or higher qualification
and 43% of workers are female (compared with 45% nationally). (22% in Perth compared with 12% in regional Western Australia).
The regional areas also have a lower proportion of people participating in
the workforce (67% compared with 69% in Perth).
Employment by Region, Nov 2010 (% of total) Employment Growth, Year to Nov 2010 (%)
Population and Employment
Population Employment
1 year 1 year Aged Certificate
Aged 45 Bachelor
June change Nov change younger III/IV No post-
% of years or degree or
2009 to June 2010 to Nov than 25 or higher school qual
total2 older higher qual
(‘000)1 2009 (‘000) 2 2010 years VET qual (%) 3
(%) 2 (%) 3
(%)1 (%) 2 (%) 2
(%) 3
Perth 1659.0 3.2 907.7 75.0 2.7 19 38 22 28 42
Lower Western WA 324.2 3.5 160.0 13.2 -4.4 17 42 12 29 49
Remainder - Balance WA 261.8 1.9 142.2 11.8 9.9 13 40 12 29 50
Western Australia 2245.1 3.0 1225.9 100.0 3.8 18 38 234 324 424
Sources: 1ABS Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009; 2ABS Labour Force Survey; 3ABS 2006 Census; 4ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010 (data available at national and state levels only).
10 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011

11. National, state and territory labour markets
TASMANIA
Tasmania is the smallest employing state with 2% of the nation’s Regional Tasmania
employment (237 400). Tasmania has the most regionally diverse
Regional employment in Tasmania is concentrated in the regions of Mersey-
workforce in Australia with around 57% located outside Hobart.
Lyell and Northern which account for half the state’s employment. Employment
The largest employing industries in Tasmania are Health Care and grew by 2.1% in Tasmania over the year to November 2010 (in trend terms).
Social Assistance (29 900), Retail Trade (27 600) and Education Growth was strongest in Mersey-Lyell (1.1% in annual average terms - trend
and Training (19 400), which together account for almost one-third data are unavailable for regions). This indicates that employment has grown
of the state’s employment. more strongly in Tasmania over recent months. This is reflected by the trend
Over the five years to November 2010, Tasmania had relatively low data which places greater emphasis on the most recent months.
employment growth, 14 400 or 6.5% compared with national growth of In regional Tasmania, the largest employing industries are Health Care and
13.1%. Twelve of the 19 industries increased their employment, with the Social Assistance (16 200), Retail Trade (15 800) and Agriculture, Forestry
largest numbers of new jobs created in Health Care and Social Assistance and Fishing (14 300). The largest numbers of new jobs over the past year
(4800), Construction (3500) and Professional, Scientific and Technical were created in Administrative and Support Services (1400) and Education
Services (2900). Over the past year, employment increased by 2.1% and Training (1200).
compared with national growth of 3.3%.
Workers in regions outside Hobart are less likely to hold post-school
Tasmania has a higher proportion of workers who do not hold post-school qualifications than their city counterparts (51% hold post-school
qualifications than the national average (44% compared with 39%). A lower qualifications compared with 57% in Hobart). The proportion of workers
proportion of workers hold a Bachelor degree or higher qualification (20% who hold Certificate III/IV Vocational Education and Training qualifications
compared with 26% nationally). varies little across metropolitan and regional areas. There is a marked
Tasmania has a particularly old age profile, with 43% of workers aged 45 difference though between Hobart and regional locations in the proportion
years or older, the highest of any state or territory. It also has a higher of workers who hold a Bachelor degree or higher qualification (22% in
proportion of its workers employed part-time than the national average Hobart compared with 13% in regional Tasmania).
(35% compared with 30%) and more of its workers are female (47% The proportion of people participating in the workforce is evenly spread across
compared with 45%). Tasmania with 61% participating in regional Tasmania and 62% in Hobart.
Employment by Region, Nov 2010 (% of total) Employment Growth, Year to Nov 2010 (%)
Population and Employment
Population Employment
1 year Aged Bachelor Certificate
1 year Aged 45
June change Nov younger degree III/IV No post-
% of change to years
2009 to June 2010 than 25 or higher or higher school qual
total2 Nov 2010 or older
(‘000)1 2009 (‘000) 2 years qual VET qual (%) 3
(%) 2 (%) 2
(%)1 (%) 2 (%) 3 (%) 3
Hobart 212.0 1.2 102.0 43.2 0.6 17 41 22 27 43
Southern 37.5 1.5 16.3 6.9 -1.8 8 56 12 28 50
Northern 141.4 0.7 68.4 28.9 0.3 17 43 15 28 48
Mersey-Lyell 112.4 1.1 49.6 21.0 1.1 18 42 11 30 50
Tasmania 503.3 1.1 237.4 100.0 2.1 17 43 204 304 44 4
Sources: 1ABS Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009; 2ABS Labour Force Survey; 3ABS 2006 Census; 4ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010 (data available at national and state levels only).
AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 11

12. National, state and territory labour markets
NORTHERN TERRITORY AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Population Population
June 2009 (‘000)1 225.9 June 2009 (‘000)1 352.2
1 year change to June 2009 (%)1 2.5 1 year change to June 2009 (%)1 1.7
Employment Employment
Nov 2010 (‘000) 2 122.9 Nov 2010 (‘000) 2 205.1
1 year change to Nov 2010 (%) 2 1.8 1 year change to Nov 2010 (%) 2 3.3
Aged younger than 25 years (%) 2 17 Aged younger than 25 years (%) 2 18
Aged 45 years or older (%) 2 36 Aged 45 years or older (%) 2 36
Bachelor degree or higher qualification (%) 3 23 Bachelor degree or higher qualification (%) 3 41
Certificate III/IV or higher VET qualification (%) 3 30 Certificate III/IV or higher VET qualification (%) 3 24
No post-school qualification (%) 3 42 No post-school qualification (%) 3 33
Sources: 1ABS Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009; 2ABS Labour Force Survey; 3ABS Survey of Education and Work, 2010 (data available at national and state levels only).
The Northern Territory has Australia’s smallest labour market, accounting The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) accounts for slightly less than 2%
for just 1% of the nation’s employment (122 900). However, the proportion of the nation’s employment (205 100). The largest employing industries
of people participating in the workforce is higher in the Northern Territory are Public Administration and Safety (62 800), Professional Scientific and
than any state and equal to the Australian Capital Territory. Close to Technical Services (20 800) and Health Care and Social Assistance
three-quarters of people are in the labour force in the Northern Territory (17 700), which collectively account for almost half of total employment.
(73% compared with 66% nationally).
Employment in the ACT grew by 20 300 or 11.0% over the five years to
Employment grew strongly over the five years to November 2010, November 2010, compared with national growth of 13.1%. Employment
increasing by 23 700 or 23.9% compared with national growth of 13.1%. gains were largest in Public Administration and Safety (14 700),
Growth has been more subdued over the past year, increasing by 1.8% Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (3500) and Education and
compared with national growth of 3.3%. Training (2300). Employment rose in 12 of the 19 industries. Over the past
The largest employing industries in the Northern Territory are Public year, employment increased by 3.3%, the same as the national average.
Administration and Safety (18 500), Health Care and Social Assistance The workforce is highly skilled with 67% of workers holding a post-school
(13 300) and Construction (11 900), which together account for slightly qualification compared with 61% nationally. A high proportion of workers
more than one-third of the territory’s employment. Over the last five years, hold a Bachelor degree or higher qualification (41% compared with the
employment gains were recorded in 17 of the 19 industries, with the largest national average of 26%), but a relatively small proportion hold Certificate
numbers of new jobs being in Construction (3700), Health Care and Social III/IV Vocational Education and Training qualifications (24% compared with
Assistance (3500) and Public Administration and Safety (3000). 30% nationally). This reflects the concentration of the ACT’s employment in
The Northern Territory workforce has a relatively low skill profile. About industries which generally require university qualifications and the relatively
42% of workers do not hold post-school qualifications compared with 39% small proportion of its employment in Manufacturing and Construction.
nationally. A relatively low proportion of workers hold qualifications at the The proportion of people participating in the workforce is higher in the ACT
Bachelor degree or higher level (23% compared with 26%).
than the national average (73% compared with 66%). A lower proportion
About 46% of workers are female and just 20% of territory workers are of the workforce is employed part-time than the national average (26%
employed part-time (compared with 30% nationally). The workforce is compared with 30%) and a smaller proportion of workers are aged 45
relatively young, with 36% of workers aged 45 years or older compared years or older (36% compared with 38%). Females represent 49% of
with the national figure of 38%. workers in the ACT compared with 45% nationally.
Employment Growth, Year to Nov 2010 (%)
12 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011

13. Industries
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
In which industries do Australians work? Where are the new jobs?
There are 19 broad industries in Australia. The largest are Health Care and Over the five years to November 2010, more than 1.3 million jobs were
Social Assistance and Retail Trade which employ 1.3 million and 1.2 million created. The largest growth was in
workers respectively. Construction and Manufacturing are also large • Health Care and Social Assistance (up by 275 200)
employing industries, with around 1 million workers each. These four
• Construction (179 400)
industries combined, employ two in every five Australian workers.
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Servi ces (136 100)
It is interesting that, although the Mining industry experienced the largest
• Education and Training (120 800)
percentage rise in employment over the five years to November 2010, it
had only the eighth largest number of new jobs, reflecting its small • Transport, Postal and Warehousing (84 000).
employment size.
Employment in Manufacturing fell over the five years to November 2010,
Which industries had declining
but there are still nearly five times more workers employed in this industry employment?
than there are in Mining. The decline in Manufacturing is part of a Employment declined in two industries over the past five years.
long-term trend reflecting structural adjustment in the Australian economy. • Manufacturing (down by 33 800)
It is important to note, though, that both these industries create thousands • Information Media and Telecommunications (23 700).
of jobs in other industries such as Transport, Postal and Warehousing,
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and Construction. Which industries have the most jobs
For information about which industries are expected to have the most new in regional locations?
jobs in the future, see page 26. Although Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing has the highest proportion of
its employment in regional areas (89%), followed by Mining (58%),
the following industries have the most jobs in regional areas.
• Retail Trade (463 400 employed in regional Australia)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (461 500)
• Construction (395 800).
Industry Employment
Employ’t change Projected
Employ’t
5 years to Nov growth
Nov 2010
2010 to 2015-16
state capital
part-time %
workforce
% of total
female %
years or
working
aged 45
cities %
older %
outside
‘000
‘000
‘000
%
%
Industry
Accommodation and Food Services 754.3 7 76.6 11.3 39 57 55 22 47 6.2
Administrative and Support Services 411.9 4 55.7 15.6 34 41 51 39 48 11.7
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 373.6 3 24.9 7.1 89 27 32 58 27 7.3
Arts and Recreation Services 189.1 2 12.4 7.0 32 43 46 31 6 3.2
Construction 1047.9 9 179.4 20.7 39 14 12 34 196 18.7
Education and Training 877.6 8 120.8 16.0 37 37 70 50 96 10.9
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 153.8 1 49.0 46.7 44 7 21 42 32 21.1
Financial and Insurance Services 388.2 3 12.6 3.3 19 18 52 29 24 6.2
Health Care and Social Assistance 1298.7 11 275.2 26.9 37 44 79 47 323 24.9
Information Media and Telecommunications 215.3 2 -23.7 -9.9 22 20 44 31 13 6.0
Manufacturing 992.5 9 -33.8 -3.3 35 15 26 41 -30 -3.1
Mining 201.0 2 72.8 56.8 58 3 16 37 69 34.5
Other Services 466.5 4 56.3 13.7 38 29 41 36 48 10.2
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 847.5 7 136.1 19.1 23 22 43 36 150 17.7
Public Administration and Safety 693.2 6 80.7 13.2 43 16 47 45 41 5.9
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 213.1 2 23.7 12.5 34 27 50 38 21 9.9
Retail Trade 1234.4 11 55.9 4.7 38 49 57 27 76 6.2
Transport, Postal and Warehousing 583.4 5 84.0 16.8 33 20 22 47 77 13.2
Wholesale Trade 406.0 4 37.3 10.1 29 16 32 41 24 5.9
Total (all industries)1 11 390.1 100 1316.8 13.1 37 30 45 38 1260 11.1
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey
1.
Trend data, totals do not add
For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 13

14. Industries
Australia’s changing industry structure Accommodation and Food Services
Over the last century, Australia’s industry structure has undergone Employment This industry All industries
fundamental changes, moving from an economy that was highly Employment (number) 754 300 11 390 100
dependent on agricultural produce and manufactured goods, to today’s Employment change (past 5 years) % 11.3 13.1
economy where service-based industries are becoming increasingly Working part-time % 57 30
important for employment. Female % 55 45
Aged 45 years or older % 22 38
Two decades ago, Manufacturing was the largest employing industry in Employment outside state capital cities % 39 37
Australia. Today, it is the fourth largest and accounts for 9% of total
Education
employment. The decline of Manufacturing has been caused by many
Without post-school qualifications % 59 39
factors, including increased competition from overseas manufacturers,
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 24 30
who often have significantly lower production costs. With a Bachelor degree or higher % 12 26
People are also less likely to be employed in the agricultural sector than they
were two decades ago. In 1990, 6% of the workforce was employed in this Accommodation and Food Services employs 754 300 workers. Over the
industry compared with 3% in 2010. This has been due to a combination of five years to November 2010, employment rose by 76 600 (or 11.3%).
factors, including the effect of long droughts and labour saving technology. Employment in Food and Beverage Services increased considerably (up
Nonetheless, the agricultural sector continues to employ thousands of by 84 200). Over the next five years, employment in Accommodation and
Australians, particularly in regional areas, and to create jobs in other Food Services is expected to increase by 46 600 (or 6.2%), driven by
industries including Manufacturing and Transport, Postal and Warehousing. growth in Food and Beverage Services.
The importance of the services sector to the economy has expanded rapidly This industry has the highest proportion of young workers (aged younger than
over recent years, offsetting the decline in Manufacturing. Today, more than 25 years) of any industry (45%). The proportion of female workers is
three out of every four Australian workers are employed in a service considerably higher than that for all industries, 55% compared with 45%,
industry. The broad grouping of the services sector can be considered to and part-time employment is common, suggesting that many workers in
include all industries with the exception of Manufacturing, Construction, Accommodation and Food Services are students combining work with study.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Mining and Electricity, Gas, Water and This industry provides good entry-level opportunities to the labour market.
Waste Services, although, even within these industries, there are clearly Almost three out of every five workers (or 59%) do not hold post-school
‘service’ components. qualifications, compared with 39% for all industries.
Much of the growth in the services sector has been driven by Health Care Accommodation and Food Services has a strong presence in regional
and Social Assistance. This industry has shown strong and consistent Australia, employing 291 600 workers. These workers make up slightly
growth in the past decade and with Australia’s ageing population requiring less than 40% of total employment in the industry.
more care, this industry will continue to grow. The Professional, Scientific
and Technical Services industry has also displayed strong employment Accommodation and Food Services accounts for 7% of national
growth, assisted by higher levels of business investment in technology, employment, but in some regions this industry accounts for a higher
as well as the outsourcing of industry services, particularly those proportion of the workforce. This is particularly the case in major tourism
associated with Architectural, Legal and Accounting services. destinations such as Far North Queensland where it accounts for almost
12% of the region’s employment.
Share of Total Employment, Selected Industries, Accommodation and Food Services as a % of Total
1990 and 2010 (%) Employment in Each Region
1990 2010
75
Services sector
70
9
Manufacturing
14
9
Construction
7
Agriculture, Forestry 3
and Fishing
6
2
Mining
1
Electricity, Gas, Water 1
and Waste Services
1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
14 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au

15. Industries
Administrative and Support Services Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Employment This industry All industries Employment This industry All industries
Employment (number) 411 900 11 390 100 Employment (number) 373 600 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 15.6 13.1 Employment change (past 5 years) % 7.1 13.1
Working part-time % 41 30 Working part-time % 27 30
Female % 51 45 Female % 32 45
Aged 45 years or older % 39 38 Aged 45 years or older % 58 38
Employment outside state capital cities % 34 37 Employment outside state capital cities % 89 37
Education Education
Without post-school qualifications % 49 39 Without post-school qualifications % 57 39
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 27 30 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 25 30
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 17 26 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 10 26
Administrative and Support Services employs about 411 900 workers. Over Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is a relatively small employing industry with
the five years to November 2010, employment grew strongly, up by 55 700 373 600 workers. Over the five years to November 2010, employment rose
(or 15.6%). The strongest growth was recorded in the Building Cleaning, Pest by 24 900 (or 7.1%). Employment in Fruit and Tree Nut Growing declined by
Control and Other Support Services sector (up by 26.3%). Administrative and 14 500, but this was offset by an increase in Sheep, Beef and Grain Growing
Support Services employment is expected to increase by 48 400 (or 11.7%) (up by 8500), Other Crop Farming (4500) and Dairy Cattle Farming (4400).
over the next five years. Over the next five years, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing employment is
expected to grow by 27 400 (or 7.3%).
Around 39% of workers in this industry are aged 45 years or older,
(compared with 38% for all industries) and the proportion of female The industry has a relatively old age profile (many in the industry continue
employment is higher than that for all industries (51% compared with working beyond the usual retirement age). Females make up a relatively low
proportion of industry employment (32% compared with 45% for all industries).
45%). Part-time employment is common in this industry (41% of workers
are employed part-time compared with 30% for all industries). More than half the workers in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry
do not hold post-school qualifications, suggesting on-the-job training and
This industry’s workforce has a relatively low skill profile, almost half its
experience contribute significantly to skill development.
workers do not hold post-school qualifications. Accordingly, the industry
offers good entry-level opportunities to the labour market. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing provides a significant number of regional
job opportunities, employing more than 331 500 workers in regional
Around 132 900 workers in regional Australia are employed in Australia. The vast majority of jobs in the industry are outside the state
Administrative and Support Services. This represents 34% of employment capital cities (89%).
in the industry, well below the average of 37% for all industries. This
indicates that workers in this industry are more likely to be based in a Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing accounts for a small proportion of
capital city, compared with other industries. Australia’s employment (3%), but in many regional areas, it is a major
employer. For example, in Far West New South Wales, more than one in
The Administrative and Support Services industry accounts for around every three workers is directly employed in this industry (35%), while in
4% of national employment. While some regions rely slightly more on this West Moreton in Queensland, 22% of workers are employed in this
industry for employment than others, there is relatively limited variation industry. This industry also creates jobs in industries like Transport, Storage
across Australia. and Warehousing and Manufacturing.
Administrative and Support Services as a % of Total Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing as a % of Total
Employment in Each Region Employment in Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 15

16. Industries
Arts and Recreation Services Construction
Employment This industry All industries Employment This industry All industries
Employment (number) 189 100 11 390 100 Employment (number) 1 047 900 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 7.0 13.1 Employment change (past 5 years) % 20.7 13.1
Working part-time % 43 30 Working part-time % 14 30
Female % 46 45 Female % 12 45
Aged 45 years or older % 31 38 Aged 45 years or older % 34 38
Employment outside state capital cities % 32 37 Employment outside state capital cities % 39 37
Education Education
Without post-school qualifications % 41 39 Without post-school qualifications % 39 39
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 26 30 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 48 30
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 28 26 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 8 26
The Arts and Recreation Services industry employs 189 100 workers Construction is the third largest employing industry in Australia, with more
(or 1.7% of total employment in Australia). There is little variation in than one million workers. Over the five years to November 2010,
employment share across Australia, with most regions having less than employment grew relatively strongly, by 20.7% (or 179 400). This growth
3% of their workforce employed in this industry. was mainly driven by the Construction Services (up by 130 200) and the
Arts and Recreation Services covers a diverse range of activities including Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction sectors (19 100). Construction
the operation of museums, parks and gardens, creative and performing employment is expected to grow by 195 800 (or 18.7%) over the next five
arts, and professional and recreational sports. Over the five years to years, with the strongest growth expected in Building Installation and
November 2010, employment rose by 12 400 (or 7.0%). The strongest Completion Services.
employment growth was recorded in Heritage Activities (up by 5900) The majority of workers in the industry are male (88%) and most workers
and Gambling Activities (4500). Over the next five years, employment in are employed full-time (86% compared with 70%).
Arts and Recreation Services is expected to increase by 6000 (or 3.2%).
The educational profile for Construction shows the prominence of trades
This industry’s workforce is relatively young with less than one-third of employment, with almost half of its workers (48%) holding either a
workers aged 45 years or older (compared with 38% in all industries). Certificate III/VI, Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Many workers are employed part-time (43% work compared with 30% for
all industries). The educational attainment profile for this industry is similar The Construction industry employs almost 400 000 workers in regional
to that for all industries. Australia, which accounts for 39% of total employment in the industry.
Most employment in the Arts and Recreation Services is based in the capital This industry accounts for 9% of national employment and generates
cities. Around one-third of workers (32% or 61 100 workers) in the Arts many jobs in regional Australia. For example, in Lower Western WA,
and Recreation Services industry are employed in regional Australia. around 14% of the workforce is employed in the Construction industry,
the highest of any region.
Arts and Recreation Services as a % of Total Construction as a % of Total Employment
Employment in Each Region in Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
16 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au

17. Industries
Education and Training Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
Employment This industry All industries Employment This industry All industries
Employment (number) 877 600 11 390 100 Employment (number) 153 800 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 16.0 13.1 Employment change (past 5 years) % 46.7 13.1
Working part-time % 37 30 Working part-time % 7 30
Female % 70 45 Female % 21 45
Aged 45 years or older % 50 38 Aged 45 years or older % 42 38
Employment outside state capital cities % 37 37 Employment outside state capital cities % 44 37
Education Education
Without post-school qualifications % 16 39 Without post-school qualifications % 30 39
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 19 30 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 39 30
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 63 26 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 27 26
Education and Training is the fifth largest employing industry in Australia, with The Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services industry accounts for just 1% of
877 600 workers. Over the five years to November 2010, employment grew national employment. While some regions have a slightly higher share of their
relatively strongly, by 16.0% (or 120 800). This growth was mainly driven by employment in this industry, such as the Gippsland region in Victoria (4.6%),
the Adult, Community and Other Education sector (up by 51 100 or 72.9%). there are limited differences in employment share from region to region, with
Over the next five years, Education and Training employment is expected to most regions having less than 1.5% of their workers in this industry.
increase by 95 700 (or 10.9%), with more than half the new jobs expected
Despite being the smallest employing industry (with just 153 800 workers),
to be generated by the Preschool and School Education sector.
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services experienced relatively strong
The industry has a relatively older workforce with one in every two workers employment growth over the five years to November 2010, up by 46.7%
aged 45 years or older compared with 38% in all industries. Seven in ten (or 49 000). The largest numbers of new jobs were recorded in Electricity
workers are female. There are good opportunities for part-time work with Supply (up by 19 100) and Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Services
37% of workers being employed on a part-time basis compared with 30% (15 500). Over the next five years, employment in Electricity, Gas, Water
across all industries. and Waste Services is expected to increase by 32 400 (or 21.1%).
This is a highly skilled industry, with 84% of workers holding a post-school This industry is male dominated and the majority of employment is full-time
qualification. More than three in every five workers (63%) hold a Bachelor (93%). The industry also has a slightly higher proportion of older workers
degree or higher qualification, almost two and a half times higher than the compared with all industries (42% are aged 45 years or older compared
with 38%).
national average (26%).
The industry is relatively highly skilled with just 30% of workers not holding
In regional Australia, the Education and Training industry employs around
post-school qualifications. Vocational Education and Training (VET)
319 000 workers, which is 37% of employment in the industry.
qualifications are particularly important, with more than one in three
Reflecting the core need for education and training services in every region, workers holding either a Certificate III/IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
the employment share does not vary considerably across regions, varying
This industry provides good job opportunities in regional areas. Around
from a low of 4% in the Hunter region (excluding Newcastle) to a high of
44% of workers in this industry (or 63 200 workers) are located in regional
around 10% in areas such as Wollongong. Australia, above the average for all industries (37%).
Education and Training as a % of Total Employment Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services as a % of
in Each Region Total Employment in Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 17

18. Industries
Financial and Insurance Services Health Care and Social Assistance
Employment This industry All industries Employment This industry All industries
Employment (number) 388 200 11 390 100 Employment (number) 1 298 700 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 3.3 13.1 Employment change (past 5 years) % 26.9 13.1
Working part-time % 18 30 Working part-time % 44 30
Female % 52 45 Female % 79 45
Aged 45 years or older % 29 38 Aged 45 years or older % 47 38
Employment outside state capital cities % 19 37 Employment outside state capital cities % 37 37
Education Education
Without post-school qualifications % 32 39 Without post-school qualifications % 23 39
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 23 30 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 34 30
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 41 26 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 39 26
The Financial and Insurance Services industry is a relatively small employing The Health Care and Social Assistance industry has experienced relatively
industry, with 388 200 workers. Over the five years to November 2010, strong growth over the past decade and is now Australia’s largest
employment rose by 12 600 (or 3.3%). This growth was concentrated in employing industry with almost 1.3 million workers. Over the five years to
the Insurance and Superannuation Funds and Finance sectors. Employment November 2010, employment rose by 275 200 (or 26.9%). This growth
is expected to increase by 24 000 (or 6.2%) over the next five years, with was relatively evenly spread across the industry, with the largest number
all major subdivisions expected to expand. of new jobs recorded in the Social Assistance Services (up by 98 200)
and Medical and Other Health Care Services (97 300) sectors. Over the
Relatively few people in the industry work part-time (18%) compared with next five years, employment in the Health Care and Social Assistance
all industries (30%). More than half of the workforce is female (52%) which industry is expected to increase by 323 300 (or 24.9%), with strong
is higher than the all industries average (45%). The industry also has a growth expected across all the major subdivisions.
significantly younger age profile compared with all industries (29% of
workers are aged 45 years or older compared with 38%). The workforce is female dominated (79%) and a relatively high proportion
of workers are employed on a part-time basis (44% compared with 30%).
The higher education sector plays an important role in the provision of skills The industry also has a relatively old age profile (47% of workers are aged
for this industry, with around two in every five workers holding a Bachelor 45 years or older compared with 38% for all industries). The Health Care
degree or higher qualification. and Social Assistance industry is highly skilled, with many of the large
employing occupations requiring tertiary qualifications. Almost two in
The majority of large finance and insurance companies operate from capital
every five workers hold a Bachelor degree or higher qualification.
cities resulting in employment in this industry being highly concentrated in
metropolitan areas. Around 19% of workers (or 76 200 people) are This industry employs around 461 500 people in regional Australia, more
employed in regional Australia, the lowest proportion of any industry. than one-third (37%) of its workforce, the same as all industries. There are
good opportunities for health care professionals in regional locations,
The Financial and Insurance Services industry employs around 3% of
with shortages particularly apparent in these areas.
Australia’s workforce. Not surprisingly, Sydney has the highest concentration
of employment in this industry of any region, with 6% of its employment being The industry employs 11.4% of Australia’s workforce. Some regions, though,
in Financial and Insurance Services, followed by Melbourne (5%). have a higher proportion of their workforce employed in this industry. For
example, Barwon-Western District in Victoria has 15% of its jobs in this industry.
Financial and Insurance Services as a % of Total Health Care and Social Assistance as a % of Total
Employment in Each Region Employment in Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
18 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au

19. Industries
Information Media and Manufacturing
Telecommunications Employment This industry All industries
Employment This industry All industries Employment (number) 992 500 11 390 100
Employment (number) 215 300 11 390 100 Employment change (past 5 years) % –3.3 13.1
Employment change (past 5 years) % –9.9 13.1 Working part-time % 15 30
Working part-time % 20 30 Female % 26 45
Female % 44 45 Aged 45 years or older % 41 38
Aged 45 years or older % 31 38 Employment outside state capital cities % 35 37
Employment outside state capital cities % 22 37 Education
Education Without post-school qualifications % 46 39
Without post-school qualifications % 34 39 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 36 30
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 26 30 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 14 26
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 37 26
A decade ago, Manufacturing was Australia’s largest employing industry; now
it is the fourth largest. However, the industry still employs almost one million
Information Media and Telecommunications is a diverse industry including
workers. Over the five years to November 2010, employment fell by 33 800
newspaper, radio and Internet publishing and broadcasting and
(or 3.3%). This decline occurred across subdivisions, including Transport
telecommunication services. It is a small employing industry, with 215 300
Equipment Manufacturing (down by 18 900), Wood Product Manufacturing
workers. Over the five years to November 2010, employment fell by 23 700 (18 200) and Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (15 100), but other
(or 9.9%). Over the next five years, employment is expected to increase by subdivisions, such as Food Product Manufacturing recorded large
13 000 (or 6.0%), largely driven by growth in the Telecommunications employment gains (up by 32 000). Manufacturing is the only industry
Services sector. expected to reduce its employment over the next five years, down by 30 400
(or 3.1%).
The majority of workers are employed full-time (80%) and 44% of workers
are female, much the same as the all industries average (45%). The workforce is dominated by males (74%) and most employment is
full-time (85%).
Information Media and Telecommunications has a highly skilled workforce,
with about two-thirds of workers holding post-school qualifications, compared A relatively high proportion of workers in the industry do not hold post-school
with around 60% for all industries. Workers are less likely to hold Vocational qualifications (46% compared with 39%). However, the largest occupations
Education and Training (VET) qualifications (26% compared with 30%), but are the engineering trades and, as a result, Vocational Education and Training
are considerably more likely to have a Bachelor degree or higher (37% (VET) is a vital source of skills to the industry (36% of workers have a
Certificate III or higher VET qualification compared with 30% for all industries).
compared with 26%) than the all industries average.
There are around 347 400 Manufacturing jobs in regional Australia.
Employment in the Information Media and Telecommunications industry is
concentrated in the state capital cities. That said, this industry employs The Manufacturing industry accounts for around 9% of total employment
47 800 workers in regional Australia, around 22% of its employment. in Australia, but in some regional areas the industry has a much higher
proportion of the local workforce. For example, in Goulburn-Ovens-Murray
People are most likely to be employed in this industry in Sydney (where in Victoria, Manufacturing is the largest employing industry, with around
3% of total employment is in this industry) and Melbourne (also 3%) than 20 800 workers, accounting for almost 15% of the region’s employment.
in other regions.
Information Media and Telecommunications as a Manufacturing as a % of Total Employment in
% of Total Employment in Each Region Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 19

20. Industries
Mining Other Services
Employment This industry All industries Employment This industry All industries
Employment (number) 201 000 11 390 100 Employment (number) 466 500 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 56.8 13.1 Employment change (past 5 years) % 13.7 13.1
Working part-time % 3 30 Working part-time % 29 30
Female % 16 45 Female % 41 45
Aged 45 years or older % 37 38 Aged 45 years or older % 36 38
Employment outside state capital cities % 58 37 Employment outside state capital cities % 38 37
Education Education
Without post-school qualifications % 33 39 Without post-school qualifications % 39 39
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 39 30 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 43 30
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 24 26 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 14 26
In employment terms, Mining is a relatively small industry with slightly more Other Services is a diverse industry which includes personal services and
than 200 000 workers. The industry recorded the strongest employment selected repair and maintenance activities. The industry has 466 500
growth of all industries over the five years to November 2010, up by 56.8% workers. Over the five years to November 2010, employment grew by
(or 72 800). Employment gains occurred across all subdivisions with the 13.7% (56 300). The largest numbers of new jobs were created in the
largest being in Metal Ore Mining (up by 28 500) and Coal Mining (17 500). Repair and Maintenance (up by 32 000) and Personal and Other Services
Over the next five years, employment is expected to increase by 34.5% (25 300) sectors. Over the next five years, employment in this industry is
(or 69 200 jobs), the strongest growth of any industry. The largest contributor expected to grow by 47 500 (or 10.2%). The growth is expected to be
to new jobs is forecast to be the Metal Ore Mining (30 900) sector. evenly spread between the Repair and Maintenance and Personal and
Other Services sectors.
The majority of workers in Mining are males (84%) and most workers are
employed full-time (97%). A slightly lower proportion of the workforce is female (41%) compared with
all industries (45%) and the workforce is relatively young (36% are aged
Just one-third of workers do not hold post-school qualifications (compared 45 years or older compared with 38% for all industries).
with 39% for all industries), making this a relatively highly skilled workforce.
Consistent with trades being the largest employing occupations, the Vocational
Almost two in every five workers in Mining hold Certificate III or higher
Education and Training (VET) sector provides a significant contribution to skills
Vocational Education and Training qualifications.
in this industry. About 43% of workers hold a Certificate III or higher VET
Mining is an important driver of economic activity and it has a very high qualification, compared with 30% for all industries.
presence in some regional areas. Well over half of Mining workers
The Other Services industry employs around 176 800 people in regional
(or 110 100 people) are employed in regional Australia.
Australia or 38% of its employment.
Mining directly accounts for just 2% of total employment in Australia, but
Other Services employs around 4% of Australia’s workforce. The industry
some regions are highly dependent on the industry for employment. For
covers a broad range of core services, and its share of total employment
example, in the resource rich area of Remainder-Balance WA (which does not vary considerably between regions. Mackay-Fitzroy-Central West
incorporates the vast majority of regional WA), around 14% of the in Queensland has 6% of its employment in Other Services but Far West
workforce is employed in Mining, the highest of any region in Australia. New South Wales has just 2% of its jobs in this industry.
Other Services as a % of Total Employment
Mining as a % of Total Employment in Each Region in Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
20 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au

21. Industries
Professional, Scientific and Public Administration and Safety
Technical Services Employment This industry All industries
Employment This industry All industries Employment (number) 693 200 11 390 100
Employment (number) 847 500 11 390 100 Employment change (past 5 years) % 13.2 13.1
Employment change (past 5 years) % 19.1 13.1 Working part-time % 16 30
Working part-time % 22 30 Female % 47 45
Female % 43 45 Aged 45 years or older % 45 38
Aged 45 years or older % 36 38 Employment outside state capital cities % 43 37
Employment outside state capital cities % 23 37 Education
Education Without post-school qualifications % 28 39
Without post-school qualifications % 22 39 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 28 30
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 22 30 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 40 26
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 54 26
Public Administration and Safety includes workers employed in government
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services employs 847 500 workers. administration, providing services to the public and enforcing regulations.
Over the five years to November 2010, employment rose by 136 100 (or Employment totals 693 200, or about 6% of the Australian workforce. Over
19.1%). Both major subdivisions within this industry experienced strong growth. the five years to November 2010, employment grew by 80 700 (or 13.2%),
Employment is expected to grow by 149 800 (or 17.7%) over the next five about the same rate as the all industries average. The largest number of
years, with the majority of new jobs expected in the Architectural, Engineering new jobs were in the subdivisions of Public Administration (up by 60 400)
and Technical Services and Legal and Accounting Services sectors. and Public Order, Safety and Regulatory Services (29 900). In the next five
years, employment in Public Administration and Safety is expected to
A relatively low proportion of workers in the industry work part-time (22% increase by 40 900 (or 5.9%).
compared with 30% for all industries). This industry also has a slightly
lower proportion of workers who are aged 45 years or older (36% This industry employs a slightly higher proportion of females than the all
compared with 38% for all industries). Professional, Scientific and Technical industries average (47% compared with 45%) and has a considerably lower
Services includes industry activities requiring a high level of expertise and proportion of part-time workers (16% compared with 30%).
formal training. Just 22% of workers do not have post-school qualifications
Around 70% of workers in Public Administration and Safety hold post-school
(compared with the average of 39% for all industries). More than half
qualifications, well above the all industries average of 60%. The proportion
(54%) have a Bachelor degree or higher qualification, twice the average for
holding a Certificate III or higher Vocational Education and Training
all industries (26%).
qualification is lower than for all industries (28% compared with 30%). About
There are 192 600 workers employed in the Professional, Scientific 40% hold a Bachelor degree or higher, compared with 26% for all industries.
and Technical Services industry in regional Australia, 23% of the
The Public Administration and Safety industry employs almost 300 000
industry’s employment.
people outside the state capital cities or 43% of its employment. This is
Workers who live in a capital city are more likely to be employed in this well above the average for all industries (37%).
industry than those in regional areas. Sydney has 11% of its employment in
This industry is particularly important in the ACT (where the Federal
this industry, the ACT has 10% and Melbourne 9%. This industry tends to
represent a relatively small proportion of most regional workforces, but Government is primarily based). About 30% of the Territory’s workforce
shortages are evident in a number of professions in regional areas. is employed in this industry, five times the national average (6%).
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Public Administration and Safety as a % of Total
as a % of Total Employment in Each Region Employment in Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 21

22. Industries
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services Retail Trade
Employment This industry All industries Employment This industry All industries
Employment (number) 213 100 11 390 100 Employment (number) 1 234 400 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 12.5 13.1 Employment change (past 5 years) % 4.7 13.1
Working part-time % 27 30 Working part-time % 49 30
Female % 50 45 Female % 57 45
Aged 45 years or older % 38 38 Aged 45 years or older % 27 38
Employment outside state capital cities % 34 37 Employment outside state capital cities % 38 37
Education Education
Without post-school qualifications % 36 39 Without post-school qualifications % 62 39
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 37 30 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 21 30
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 20 26 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 11 26
The Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services industry employs around Retail Trade is Australia’s second largest employing industry, with more than
213 100 people, accounting for 2% of national employment, making it one 1.2 million workers. Over the five years to November 2010, employment rose
of Australia’s smallest employing industries. Over the five years to by 55 900, or 4.7%. The Food Retailing subdivision was the major driver of this
November 2010, employment grew by 23 700 (or 12.5%). This growth was employment growth, increasing by 57 700. Employment in Retail Trade is
concentrated in the Property Operators and Real Estate Services sector (up expected to increase by 76 400 (or 6.2%) over the next five years. Particularly
by 19 100). Employment is expected to increase by 21 000 (or 9.9%) over large employment gains are expected in Food Retailing (54 200).
the next five years, with the strongest rise anticipated to be in Property
Female workers outnumber men (57% are female) and almost half of Retail
Operators and Real Estate Services (19 700).
Trade employment is part-time (49%). This industry’s workforce also has a
Half of all workers in the industry are female, higher than the all industries young age profile, with 73% aged 15 to 44.
average of 45%, and a slightly lower proportion of employment is part-time
Retail Trade has a relatively low skilled workforce (62% do not have
(27% compared with 30%).
post-school qualifications, compared with 39% for all industries). This,
Around 60% of workers in the Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services industry combined with the availability of part-time hours, makes Retail Trade an
hold post-school qualifications, similar to all industries. A relatively high ideal entry point to the labour market for school leavers, people re-entering
proportion hold a Vocational Education and Training qualification (37% hold the labour market and seeking part-time work, including students who are
a Certificate III or higher qualification compared with 30% for all industries). combining work and study.
Around one out of every three jobs in the Rental, Hiring and Real Estate The Retail Trade industry is a significant source of jobs in regional areas,
industry is in regional Australia (34% or 65 600 workers), slightly lower employing more than 463 000 people outside state capital cities (or around
than the national average (37%). 38% of the industry’s employment).
The industry accounts for just 2% of national employment and it represents The Retail Trade industry has about 10% of national employment, but it has a
a relatively low proportion of employment in each region, varying from a higher share in some regions. In November 2010, the three regions with the
high of 3% in Far North Queensland, to a low of less than 1% in Far West highest share of their employment in Retail Trade were all located in major
New South Wales. tourist areas in non-metropolitan Queensland. These were the Sunshine
Coast (16%), Wide Bay-Burnett and Far North Queensland (both 13%).
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services as a % of Retail Trade as a % of Total Employment in
Total Employment in Each Region Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
22 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au

23. Industries
Transport, Postal and Warehousing Wholesale Trade
Employment This industry All industries Employment This industry All industries
Employment (number) 583 400 11 390 100 Employment (number) 406 000 11 390 100
Employment change (past 5 years) % 16.8 13.1 Employment change (past 5 years) % 10.1 13.1
Working part-time % 20 30 Working part-time % 16 30
Female % 22 45 Female % 32 45
Aged 45 years or older % 47 38 Aged 45 years or older % 41 38
Employment outside state capital cities % 33 37 Employment outside state capital cities % 29 37
Education Education
Without post-school qualifications % 52 39 Without post-school qualifications % 47 39
With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 29 30 With VET qualifications (Cert III or higher) % 28 30
With a Bachelor degree or higher % 13 26 With a Bachelor degree or higher % 20 26
Transport, Postal and Warehousing employs around 583 400 workers, or 5% of The Wholesale Trade industry is one of the smaller employing industries
the workforce in Australia. Over the five years to November 2010, employment in Australia, employing 406 000 workers. Over the five years to November
grew strongly, by 84 000 (or 16.8%). This growth was largely concentrated in 2010, employment increased by 37 300 (or 10.1%). Employment rose in
most subdivisions, with the largest increase being recorded in Machinery
the subdivisions of Transport Support Services (up by 27 900) and Postal and
and Equipment Wholesaling (up by 17 600). Employment is expected to rise
Courier Pick-up and Delivery Services (22 600). Rail Transport also contributed
by 23 800 (or 5.9%) over the next five years. Motor Vehicle and Motor
18 800 new jobs. Over the next five years, employment in Transport, Postal
Vehicle Parts Wholesaling is the only sector which is expected to experience
and Warehousing is expected to grow by 77 000 (or 13.2%), most of which
a decline in employment over the next five years (down by 3400).
is expected in the Postal and Courier Pick-up and Delivery Services (20 100)
and Road Transport (18 400) sectors. A relatively high proportion of workers are male (68%) compared with all
industries (55%). The majority of workers are employed full-time (84%) and
The industry has an older profile (47% of workers are aged 45 years or 41% are aged 45 or older, higher than the average for all industries (38%).
older compared with 38%) than all industries. The majority of workers in
the industry are males (78%) and the vast majority of workers are Almost half the workers in this industry do not hold post-school qualifications,
employed full-time (80%). suggesting that there are good opportunities for entry level positions.
This workforce has a relatively low skill profile. More than one in every two Employment is concentrated in the state capitals. Just 29% of workers in
the industry are employed in regional Australia (or 121 700 workers),
workers in this industry (52%) does not hold post–school qualifications,
which is well below the average for all industries (37%).
compared with 39% for all industries.
Some regional areas, such as West Moreton in Queensland and Northern
Transport, Postal and Warehousing employs around 188 500 people in
Tasmania have a relatively high proportion of their workforces in the
regional Australia, 33% of its employment. This is slightly lower than the
industry (7% and 5% respectively).
average for all industries (37%).
Overall, the industry employs 5% of the Australian workforce, however
about 8% of workers in Mackay-Fitzroy-Central West in Queensland are
employed in the industry and just 2% in the ACT.
Transport, Postal and Warehousing as a % of Total Wholesale Trade as a % of Total Employment
Employment in Each Region in Each Region
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010 Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, November 2010
For more information see www.skillsinfo.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 23

24. Occupations and skills
OCCUPATIONAL OVERVIEW
Largest occupations Recent employment trends
The four largest occupational groups in Australia are Over the five years to November 2010, employment growth was strongest for
• Professionals — more than 2.4 million workers or about one in five • Community and Personal Service Workers —up by 24%
Australian workers.
• Professionals — 19%
• Technicians and Trades Workers and Clerical and Administrative
• Managers — 15%.
Workers — each around 1.7 million, or 15% of Australia’s workforce.
• Managers — more than 1.4 million workers, or around 13% of employment. However, over the year to November 2010, employment growth was
particularly strong for
Twenty five of the individual occupations listed in the Job Prospects Matrix,
which begins on page 36, employ more than 100 000 people. The five • Sales Workers — up by 9.4%
largest employing occupations are • Technicians and Trades Workers — 6.7%.
• Sales Assistant (General) — 527 800 This growth in demand for Technicians and Trades Workers reflects,
• Manager, Retail — 238 600 in part, recovery from the global recession and strong demand for trade
• Nurse, Registered — 214 000 skills from the Mining sector, which has a flow-on effect to other
• Clerk (General) — 191 200 industries.
• Receptionist — 183 600.
Hours of work
Employment growth over the last two There is quite a marked variation in hours of work across the major
decades occupational groups. More than half of those employed as Sales Workers
Over the last 20 years, employment growth for jobs that generally require and Community and Personal Services Workers are employed part-time
a qualification at the Diploma level or higher (or extensive on-the-job (56% and 52% respectively) and more than one-third of Clerical and
experience) has clearly outstripped the growth in lower skilled jobs Administrative Workers (35%) work part-time. This suggests these
(77% employment growth over this period compared with 28%). occupations offer good opportunities for people seeking shorter work
hours to balance employment with study or caring responsibilities.
Twenty years ago, 29% of Australia’s workforce was employed in a
Females also make up a larger proportion of these workforces, more than
professional or managerial occupation. Now, more than one in three
three in every five workers, than the national workforce average of 45%.
workers (34%) in Australia is employed in these groups, highlighting the
increasing demand for skilled workers. Workers are now less likely to be
employed in lower skilled occupations. Labourers (currently 10% of total Age profile
employment) and Clerical and Administrative Workers (15%) now have a The Manager group has the oldest age profile, with half of these workers
smaller share of employment than they did in 1990. aged 45 years or older reflecting, in part, the many years of experience
Growth in the number of Community and Personal Service Workers has also generally required to become a Manager. Machinery Operators and Drivers
been strong over the past 20 years with these workers now accounting for (46% aged 45 years or older) and Clerical and Administrative Workers
almost one out of every ten workers in the Australian labour market. (42%) also have relatively old age profiles.
Occupational Employment
Employ’t change Employ’t change
Employ’t Nov 2010
1 year to Nov 2010 5 years to Nov 2010
% working
% aged 45
workforce
% of total
% female
part-time
years or
older
‘000
‘000
‘000
%
%
Occupation Major Group
Managers 1449.4 13 -8.1 -0.6 184.2 14.6 12 34 50
Professionals 2415.4 21 58.0 2.5 386.9 19.1 24 53 40
Technicians and Trades 1702.3 15 106.4 6.7 182.8 12.0 13 13 32
Community and Personal Services 1082.3 10 56.3 5.5 211.2 24.2 52 69 34
Clerical and Administrative 1681.7 15 36.3 2.2 106.8 6.8 35 75 42
Sales Workers 1132.6 10 97.4 9.4 86.6 8.3 56 62 25
Machinery Operators and Drivers 723.3 6 34.2 5.0 79.2 12.3 14 9 46
Labourers 1190.4 10 11.8 1.0 83.3 7.5 44 34 38
Total (all occupations)1 11 390.1 100 369.0 3.3 1316.8 13.1 30 45 38
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey
1
Trend data, totals do not add
24 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

25. Occupations and skills
OCCUPATIONAL CLUSTERS AND SKILL LEVEL
Occupational clusters Most new jobs are in skilled occupations
The previous page examined the occupational labour market by major The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies occupations into skill levels.
group. To assist you to explore career opportunities and compare Generally, the higher the skill level, the greater the amount of formal
occupations, it is also useful to cluster ‘like’ occupations such as Carers education and/or training, previous experience and on-the-job training
and Aides, Drivers and Storepersons and Hospitality Workers. required to competently perform the set of tasks for that occupation.
The top 20 growth clusters, based on the number of new jobs projected for The following table outlines the five skill levels, noting they are expressed
the next five years, are presented in the chart below. The growth clusters in terms of qualifications required for competent performance in an
are spread across all industries and skill levels, highlighting the range of occupation. These are indicative, and for many occupations, some years
opportunities available in the Australian labour market. Some clusters may of relevant experience can substitute for formal qualifications.
have stronger growth (in terms of percentage change) but the clusters
listed in the chart are expected to have the largest number of new jobs. Projected Employment Growth to 2015-16
Skill Level (‘000)
Projected Employment Growth to 2015–16 Skill 5 Year
Top 20 Occupational Clusters (‘000) Equivalent qualification level
Level Growth
1 Bachelor Degree or higher qualification. 499.5
Carers and Aides 112.6 2 AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma. 179.9
Medical Practitioners and Nurses 85.5 3 AQF Certificate III (including at least two years of 207.6
on-the-job training) or IV.
Construction Trades 68.9
4 AQF Certificate II or III. 327.6
Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades 68.7 5 AQF Certificate I or compulsory secondary education. 111.0
Education Professionals 63.8 Source: DEEWR employment projections
Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers 43.9
More than half the projected growth in jobs over the next five years is
Sales Assistants and Salespersons 41.2 expected to be in the highly skilled occupations, which includes those
General-Inquiry Clerks, Call Centre, Receptionists 38.7 at skill level 1 or 2.
Engineers 37.5
Projected Employment Growth to 2015-16
Hospitality Workers 35.9
Skill Level (% share)
Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals 35.9
Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians, Inspectors 35.7
Skill Level 5, 8.4
Health Diagnostic and Therapy Professionals 35.3
Numerical Clerks 33.5
Skill Level 1, 37.7
Health and Welfare Support Workers 32.5 Skill Level 4, 24.7
Business, Finance and Human Resource Professionals 31.8
Drivers and Storepersons 31.1
Automotive and Engineering Trades 29.5
Food Trades 28.2
Corporate Managers 28.2
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Source: DEEWR employment projections Skill Level 3, 15.7
The occupational cluster with the largest projected employment growth is Skill Level 2, 13.6
Carers and Aides. Medical Practitioners and Nurses, Construction Trades,
Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades, and Education
Professionals also have strong projected growth. Source: DEEWR employment projections
Some clusters, such as Carers and Aides, and Medical Practitioners and However, job opportunities are expected across all skill levels. The top five
Nurses, are employed mainly in one industry (Health Care and Social occupations expected to provide the largest number of new jobs are
Assistance) while others, including Business, Finance and Human Resource
• Electricians (58 900)
Professionals, have employment spread across many industries.
• Registered Nurses (52 700)
This cluster approach is also used in Job Outlook www.joboutlook.gov.au.
• Aged and Disabled Carers (46 700)
On this site, select the occupation in which you are interested then click the
‘Related Jobs’ tab to see graphs with data on employment characteristics, • General Clerks (31 500)
trends and prospects for the relevant clusters, including comparisons • Child Carers (30 600).
between occupations within the cluster.
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 25

26. Occupations and skills
INDUSTRY AND OCCUPATIONAL PROJECTIONS
Most new jobs will be in a small number In which occupation groups will the
of industries new jobs be?
All industries are projected to increase their employment over the next five While all eight major occupational groups are expected to have larger
years except Manufacturing, where employment is expected to decline employment in five years time, there are projected to be smaller
(continuing a long-term trend). Over the five years to 2015-16, though, more employment gains for the lower skilled occupational groups of Sales
than half of the new jobs in Australia are expected to be provided by just three Workers, Labourers and Machinery Operators and Drivers, highlighting the
of the 19 industries. The pie chart below shows that one in four new jobs importance of undertaking post-school education and training to improve
(323 300 or 24.5% of new jobs) are expected to be in Health Care and your job and career prospects.
Social Assistance, with Construction and Professional, Scientific and Technical
Over the five years to 2015-16, the largest jobs growth is expected to be for
Services together also creating more than a quarter of new jobs (195 800
Professionals (385 000), followed by Technicians and Trades Workers
and 149 800 respectively).
(240 100) and Community and Personal Service Workers (218 100). There
are also expected to be large numbers of new jobs for Managers (143 600)
Projected Employment Growth to 2015-16, and Clerical and Administrative Workers (115 900).
Top 10 Industries (‘000)
Health Care and Social Assistance 323.3
Projected Employment Growth to 2015-16
Construction 195.8 Occupation Major Group (‘000)
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 149.8
Education and Training 95.7 Professionals 385.0
Transport, Postal and Warehousing 77.0
Technicians and Trades Workers 240.1
Retail Trade 76.4
Mining 69.2 Community and Personal Service Workers 218.1
Administrative and Support Services 48.4
Managers 143.6
Other Services 47.5
Accommodation and Food Services 46.6 Clerical and Administrative Workers 115.9
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Machinery Operators and Drivers 61.7
Source: DEEWR employment projections Labourers 55.6
Sales Workers 55.0
Other industries which are expected to provide large numbers of new jobs
include Transport, Postal and Warehousing (77 000), Retail Trade (76 400) 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
and Mining (69 200). Source: DEEWR employment projections
Projected Employment Growth to 2015-16 The graph below highlights the strong role that Professionals will play in
Industry (% share) contributing to overall employment growth over the next five years, with
around 31% of new jobs being in this group.
Health Care and
Other industries, 25.1 Social Assistance, 24.5 Projected Employment Growth to 2015-16
Occupation Group (% share)
Labourers, 4.4
Machinery Operators and Drivers, 4.8 Managers, 11.3
Mining, 5.3 Construction, 14.9
Sales Workers, 4.3
Transport, Postal
and Warehousing, 5.8 Clerical and Administrative
Retail Trade, 5.8 Workers, 9.1
Professional, Scientific and
Education and Training, 7.3 Technical Services, 11.4
Professionals, 30.2
Source: DEEWR employment projections
Community and Personal
At the more disaggregated level, the top ten industry Service Workers, 17.1
subdivisions providing the most new jobs are expected to be
• Building Installation Services (78 100)
• Hospitals (71 500) Technicians and Trade Workers, 18.8
• Architectural, Engineering and Technical Services (68 200)
Source: DEEWR employment projections
• Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services (67 900)
• Residential Care Services (56 200) DEEWR prepares indicative projections of employment growth. The latest
• Other Social Assistance Services (54 700) projections are for the five years to 2015–16, and are based, in part, on
• School Education (49 400) forecasts from economic forecasting organisations, especially Access
• Building Completion Services (47 300) Economics and the Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) at Monash University.
• Allied Health Services (44 300) They also take account of recent employment trends and prospective
• Computer System Design and Related Services (42 000). industry developments.
26 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

27. Occupations and skills
WHO IS IN-TRAINING?
The number of Australian apprentices There are more students studying
and trainees in-training is increasing at university
Over the ten years to June 2010, the number of Australian apprentices and There were 813 900 domestic students enrolled in university in 2009,
trainees in-training increased significantly, to about 440 600. The profile of an increase of 5.4% compared with 2008. Ten years earlier, there were
Australian apprentices and trainees has also changed, showing that there is 603 200 domestic students at university.
an opportunity to undertake training regardless of your age or gender.
In 2009, more than half (55%) of all domestic university students were
There is now a higher proportion of people aged 45 years or older female and 70% of students were studying full-time.
in-training, around one in every eight (or 57 500) apprentices and trainees
is in this age group. The proportion of females in-training has increased as University Student Enrolments by Gender (‘000)
well. Ten years ago, females comprised about 31% of apprentices but now
they now account for around 34%. Males Females
500 472.2
Apprentices and Trainees In-Training by Gender (‘000) 405.7
400
Male Female 336.9 341.7
310.7
350
300 266.2
300 289.3
263.1 200
250
200 186.6 100
151.3
150 135.6
0
1999 2004 2009
100 84.6
Source: DEEWR Higher Education Statistics
50
Opportunities to study at university are available no matter how old you are.
0 In 2009, more than 100 000 domestic university students were aged 40
2000 2005 2010
Source: NCVER Apprentices and Trainees Collection years or older, a 42% increase over the past decade.
The rise in the number of females in-training has been significantly greater University Student Enrolments by Age (‘000)
than that for males over the past decade. The number of females rose by
about 79% and the number of males rose by 55%. Overall, the numbers 1999 2004 2009
of apprentices and trainees in-training rose by 62%. 300.0
278.8
Apprentices and Trainees In-Training by Age (‘000) 250.0 237.4
216.2 218.5
205.3
200.0 187.7
2000 2005 2010 176.6 181.1
168.0
160
150.0
140 132.2 135.3 133.6
120 114.2 113.6 100.0 92.7 100.4
101.3 105.2 70.9
100
80.9 50.0
80
67.6
57.5
60 0.0
47.7
19 years and under 20 to 24 years 25 to 39 years 40 years or over
40
21.4 Source: DEEWR Higher Education Statistics
20
0 A growing proportion of the Australian workforce holds qualifications at the
19 years and under 20 to 24 years 25 to 44 years 45 years or over
Bachelor degree or higher level, reflecting increased demand from
Source: NCVER Apprentices and Trainees Collection employers for highly skilled workers. In line with this, over the ten years to
2009, the number of domestic students attaining this level of qualification
Over the past decade, the proportion of apprentices and trainees in-training increased by 28%.
who are aged 45 years or older has risen markedly, up from 8% of the total
in 2000 to 13% in 2010. The increase in the number of students completing higher education studies has
not, though, been distributed evenly among the fields of education. Over the
The level of qualification being attained has also risen. Almost 92% of past decade, the number of award completions in Health increased by 60%,
Australian apprentices and trainees in-training in September 2010 were while those in Engineering and Related Technologies increased by 13%. By
studying for a AQF Certificate III level Vocational Education and Training contrast, the number of award completions in Information Technology decreased
qualification or higher. This is well above the proportion recorded a by 51% and those in Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies decreased
decade ago (79%). by 7%, despite shortages being evident in some related occupations.
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 27

28. Occupations and skills
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
The Australian workforce is becoming Higher qualifications increase your
more skilled chance of getting a job
The Australian workforce is becoming more educated and more highly There is plenty of evidence to suggest your level of education has a
skilled. Looking at the industries where employment growth is strongest, significant effect on your chance of getting a job. The May 2010 ABS
like Health Care and Social Assistance where almost three-quarters of Education and Work survey shows that those with a Certificate III/IV or
workers hold post-school qualifications, it is apparent that most of the new higher qualification have lower unemployment rates than workers who do
jobs of the future will require post-school qualifications to meet employers’ not hold post-school qualifications. The higher your qualification, the less
demand for skilled workers. This means that you are at an increasing likely you are to be unemployed and data on page 29 also show higher
disadvantage when looking for work if you have a low level of education, or qualifications generally mean higher pay.
have not completed post-school study.
In 2010, the unemployment rate for workers with Year 10 as their highest
There has been a marked increase in the proportion of Australian workers qualification was 9.9%, compared with 6.4% for people who completed Year
who hold post-school qualifications. Around half of those employed in 2000 12, 3.8% for those with Certificate III/IV qualifications and 2.7% for people who
had studied after leaving school but by 2010, this had risen to around 61%. completed a Bachelor degree.
Educational Profile (% of total employed) May 2010 Unemployment Rate by Qualification, May 2009 and
May 2010 (%)
Highest level of post-school qualification %
Postgraduate Degree 5.1 2010 2009
Graduate Diploma/Certificate 2.5 Bachelor Degree 3.4
2.7
Bachelor Degree 18.8
Certificate III/IV 4.3
Advanced Diploma/Diploma 10.1 3.8
Certificate III/IV 19.6 Year 12 7.1
6.4
Certificate I/II 3.8 10.4
Year 10
Certificate not further defined 1.0 9.9
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
No post-school qualification 39.1
Source: ABS Survey of Education and Work
Source: ABS Survey of Education and Work
There are significant differences in the qualification profile of the workforce in Employment outcomes for university
cities compared with regional areas. In cities, people are much more likely to and VET graduates are good
have a university qualification, while in regional Australia, people are more
likely to hold Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications. In part, For Bachelor degree graduates, Graduate Careers Australia’s (GCA) 2010
this reflects the industry base of many regional locations, where Agriculture, graduate survey shows that 76% of surveyed graduates had found full-time
Forestry and Fishing; Construction; Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services; work by 30 April 2010 after finishing their degrees in 2009.
Transport, Storage and Warehousing; and Mining often represent relatively For VET graduates, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research’s
high shares of local employment. (NCVER) survey of VET students for 2010 found that 76% of surveyed
graduates found work approximately six months after graduating. While this
Highest Level of Educational Attainment, by figure also includes people employed on a part-time basis, these results are
Remoteness Area, 2009 (% of total employed) similar to the outcomes for Bachelor degree students.
% with a VET Cert III/IV or higher % with a university qualification DEEWR projections (see the Job Prospects Matrix from page 36) show that
employment growth over the next five years is expected to be strong and job
24.9 prospects are above average for most professions. Many trade occupations
Major cities
of Australia also have strong employment growth and above average job prospects.
26.8
Bachelor Degree and VET Graduates Employed
13.7
Inner regional After Graduation, 2008 to 2010
Australia
31.3
Bachelor Degree Vocational Education and
Graduates Training Graduates
12.7
Outer regional
Australia
Employed full-time Employed (full-time or
27.9 at 30 April following part-time) at 28 May
graduation following graduation
14.6 2010 76.2 76.3
Remote Australia 2009 79.2 77.8
24.1
2008 85.2 80.7
Source: Gradstats and NCVER Student Outcomes
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0
Source: ABS Survey of Education and Training
28 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

29. Occupations and skills
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Graduate demand is strong in VET Graduates Employed (% of total) at 28 May after
regional areas Graduation, 2010
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data also show Architecture and Building 87.1
that Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications are particularly Education 84.8
sought after in regional and remote areas of Australia. VET graduates in Engineering and Related Technologies 84.7
regional and remote Australia are more likely to find employment after Health 83.1
graduation than those in major cities. This is particularly the case for Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies 80.1
Society and Culture 77.4
graduates in remote areas (86% were employed after graduating compared
Management and Commerce 74.1
with 74% in major cities) and they are also more likely to command a higher
Food, Hospitality and Personal Services 73.1
income once they have found employment (average annual income of
Natural and Physical Sciences 67.1
$53 900 compared with $47 500 in major cities).
Information Technology 61.9
Creative Arts 60.0
Outcomes for Vocational Education and Training
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Graduates in Regional and Remote Australia, 2010
Source: NCVER Student Outcomes
Average annual
Employed at
income for Starting salaries for graduates
28 May
full-time
following
employed In 2010, Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) figures show the median annual
graduation
graduates starting salary for all Bachelor degree graduates aged less than 25 years and
Major cities $ 47 500 74% in their first full-time job in Australia was $49 000, up from $48 000 in 2009.
Inner and outer regional $ 47 400 78% The five highest starting salaries were for
Remote and very remote $ 53 900 86% • Dentistry ($75 000)
Source: NCVER Student Outcomes • Optometry ($70 000)
• Engineering ($56 000)
Employment outcomes by field of study • Medicine ($55 000)
Graduate employment outcomes by field of study are useful to see which • Earth Sciences ($54 000).
graduates do best in the labour market but they need to be examined in the In 2010, NCVER data show the average annual salary for graduates with
context of other information. The information shown below is employment a qualification through VET who were in full-time work six months after
outcomes for Bachelor degree graduates, but the entry qualification for completing their training was
some occupations is commonly a Master’s degree. Graduate Careers • Diploma or higher ($54 600)
Australia figures show that in Architecture, for example, more than 40% • Certificate IV ($54 400)
of 2009 Bachelor degree graduates were in further study at 30 April 2010.
• Certificate III ($45 500)
For Certificate III/IV graduates in Information Technology, around half were
• Certificate II ($42 200)
studying (some combining work and further study). For some other
occupations, there is a mandatory internship/registration year before a • Certificate I ($42 000).
graduate is admitted to the occupation (for example, Medical Practitioner), In 2010, for graduates with a qualification through VET who were in
so a high proportion of these graduates are in full-time work. full-time work six months after completing their training, the highest
average salaries were in the fields of
Detailed information is at www.graduatecareers.com.au/Research/
GradJobsDollars/index.htm and www.ncver.edu.au/statistic/21065 • Education ($63 500)
• Engineering and Related Technology ($50 400)
Bachelor Degree Graduates (% of those seeking • Health ($49 300)
full-time employment who were working full-time • Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies ($47 600)
at 30 April), 2010 • Management and Commerce ($47 500).
Rehabilitation 88.8
Useful links
Building 84.3
www.graduatecareers.com.au – information for higher education graduates
Law 82.1
Accounting 79.1 www.ncver.edu.au – information on Vocational Education and Training
Architecture 75.8 graduate outcomes and research
Agriculture 69.3 www.jobsearch.gov.au – graduate careers in the Australian Government
Chemical Engineering 67.7 and State agencies – Click on ‘graduate links’
Mathematics 66.8
www.goingtouni.gov.au – more about studying at university
Life Sciences 61.0
Visual/Performing Arts 53.3
Further information is available at www.graduatecareers.com.au/
Research/GradJobsDollars/index and www.ncver.edu.au/
0 20 40 60 80 100
Source: Graduate Careers Australia, Gradfiles
resources/sos_online
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 29

30. Occupations and skills
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
What are employability skills? Problem solving
Employability skills are non-technical or generic skills, such as Problem solving skills contribute to productive outcomes and include the
communication, team work and problem solving, which contribute to your capacity to develop creative, innovative and practical solutions, and to apply
ability to be an effective and successful participant in the workplace. They a range of strategies across a range of areas to solve specific problems.
are sometimes referred to as key, core, life, essential, or soft skills. Unlike
many technical skills, employability skills are transferable between jobs. Initiative and enterprise
Initiative and enterprise skills contribute to innovative outcomes. They
Given the value employers place on workplace experience, entry-level
include the ability to adapt to change, develop effective work practices,
positions can be a great place for you to develop these skills. Employers
identify opportunities and translate ideas into action.
place a strong emphasis on the need for both entry-level and ongoing
employees to exhibit a broad range of attributes. As a result, employers Planning and organising
often reject applicants who are suitable in many other respects, even those
Planning and organising skills contribute to long-term and short-term
who hold elevated qualifications because they do not have the required
strategic planning. They include the capacity to manage priorities by setting
employability skills they desire.
timelines, coordinating tasks and working systematically.
Employers look for employability skills particularly when there are large
numbers of applicants, or when choosing between competing applicants Self management
that are suitable in other respects. This makes employability skills especially Self management skills contribute to employee satisfaction and growth.
important, with the most commonly reported difficulty in finding work They include having a personal vision and clear goals, evaluating one’s own
among unemployed persons in the past year being ‘Too many applicants performance at work, seeking continuous self improvement to enhance
for available jobs’1. performance, having clarity and confidence and taking responsibility.
The importance of employability skills is highlighted further by the fact that
it is now a requirement of nationally recognised Vocational Education and Learning
Training Packages to embed employability skills into course content. In Learning skills contribute to ongoing improvement and expansion in employee
order to find out what employability skills can be gained in a particular and company operations and outcomes. They include proactive involvement
training package or course, just enter the course code into the search in training and learning opportunities while working in your current job.
box on employabilityskills.training.com.au.
Technology
There are eight identified employability skills and these are summarised
below. While employers consider all eight to be important, particular jobs Technological skills contribute to the effective execution of tasks. They include
may require some more than others. For example, jobs in the retail industry a basic understanding of word processing, spreadsheets and internet/email
may require strong communication skills, whereas jobs in administration and an ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies in the workplace.
may require a good working knowledge of common computer software,
such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Other attributes valued by employers
Employers also value a range of attributes relating to employability skills
Communication including: loyalty, commitment, honesty and integrity, enthusiasm,
Communication skills contribute to productive and harmonious relations reliability, personal presentation, commonsense, positive self esteem, ability
between employees and customers. They include effective listening and to deal with pressure, motivation and adaptability. These attributes enable
understanding, speaking clearly and directly, being assertive and persuasive, individuals to be successful both in and outside the workplace and to
reading effectively, writing to the needs of the audience and being responsive maintain a healthy work-life balance.
in negotiations and requests. For many employers, employability skills and personal attributes are just as
Communication skills are one of the most important employability skills as important as the technical ability to do the job. For this reason it is
they are the first skills an employer encounters. Their importance is borne important for job seekers wishing to enter the workforce to incorporate
out by two recent surveys. The ABS Job Search Experience survey found these skills into job applications and demonstrate them at interviews.
67% of new employees had written, phoned, or applied in person to an
employer for work; and the DEEWR Survey of Employers’ Recruitment
Experiences found that of all the employability skills, applicants were
most lacking in communication skills.
Team work
Team work skills contribute to productive working relationships and
outcomes. They include the capacity to work harmoniously with a
wide range of people and understanding your role in the team as
well as identifying the strengths of team members and using them
to meet objectives.
1.
Source: ABS Job Search Experience, July 2010
30 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

31. Occupations and skills
SKILLS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What are green skills and green jobs? The four objectives of the Agreement are
Green skills, or skills for sustainability, are the professional and vocational • developing national standards for skills for sustainability instruction
skills, as well as the generic skills (such as sustainable approaches, within the requirements of the national regulatory framework
innovation and problem solving) required for new green jobs and the • upskilling VET teachers and instructors so they can provide effective
greening of existing jobs across all industry sectors as a response to training and facilitation in skills for sustainability
climate change and sustainability imperatives. • reviewing and revising Training Packages to incorporate skills for
There is no doubt that new green jobs will be created as we move to a sustainability, and
greener economy. This includes occupations in clean energy production and • implementing strategies to reskill vulnerable workers in the transition
jobs in the manufacturing and production of clean and green consumer items. to a low carbon economy.
However, as businesses and entire industries across the economy move to In addition, the National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) program is an
more sustainable ways of working, it is likely that a whole host of existing jobs environmental work experience and training program for eligible young
will be made greener. Workers across a range of occupations will need new Australians aged 17 to 24 years old. The program commenced on
skills to increase efficiency, reduce waste, conserve water and develop and 1 January 2010 and runs until 31 December 2011.
implement new technologies and practices for a more sustainable world. NGJC helps young people develop valuable skills and experiences in the
Plumbers, for example, with the right skills and training will be able to install environmental and climate change growth industries, ensuring they are
and maintain devices and systems for water and energy efficiency, ready for employment in these areas.
recycling, rain water harvesting and waste reduction. They will also be able NGJC participants are involved in 26 weeks of environmental training,
to promote and advise customers on these products, while moulding where they undertake both practical work experience and accredited
business culture by contributing to the bottom line in a sustainable and training towards a Certificate II level qualification.
environmentally-friendly way.
Young people doing NGJC work on projects focused on the conservation,
Green skills will be important to all industries and sectors, not just to the protection and rejuvenation of Australia’s natural environment and
trades. For example cultural heritage.
• lawyers, accountants and economists will need to respond to the
The types of projects they are involved in include
demand for environmental reporting and accounting practices
• bush regeneration
• planners, architects and engineers will need to respond to demand
for sustainable design and new green materials • beach and dune rehabilitation
• business owners and operators will need to respond to rapidly • wildlife and fish habitat protection
escalating energy, water and waste costs • flora, fauna and land surveys and audits
• retailers, service providers and procurement managers will need to • community consultation and surveys relating to the environment
respond to increasing consumer and client demand for green products • training and hands-on experience in the installation of energy
and services, and efficiencies (such as insulation for buildings) designed to reduce
• primary producers will need to respond to rising input costs and carbon emissions, and
land degradation. • developing community information and education products.
Green skills are about preparing all Australians in all parts of the country In addition, each project gives participants the opportunity to develop
for the challenges of the future and the transition to a sustainable, low teamwork and leadership skills while preparing for employment opportunities.
carbon economy. Young people interested in participating in NGJC should talk to their local
Centrelink, Job Services Australia or Disability Employment Services provider.
What is the Government doing to Further information about NGJC can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/ngjc.
provide opportunities for Australians
to access green skills and green jobs?
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that the education
and training system is capable of providing a workforce that has the skills
required to drive and promote sustainable outcomes in the workplace and
the community.
In particular, under the Green Skills Agreement, all new trade apprentices
commencing training from 2011 will graduate with a core set of skills,
knowledge and training in sustainable principles and practices.
The Green Skills Agreement, which was endorsed by the Council of
Australian Governments in December 2009, commits the Australian and
state and territory governments to working with training organisations
and business to ensure skills for sustainability are an integral part of all
Vocational Education and Training (VET) and are relevant to the needs
of industry.
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 31

32. Occupations and skills
EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES
What help is available for me? Parents
There is a wide range of Government assistance available to help you find As a parent or carer, you may have additional responsibilities and needs that
the right job, gain skills through training and understand your rights in the affect your ability to secure employment. Job Services Australia can help you
workplace. The following information is summary in nature and cannot fully gain skills and improve your job prospects. All principal carer parents on
explain the large number of policies and programs available to help you. income support are eligible to access Job Services Australia services.
Assistance could also include support to access suitable child care.
If you would like further information, the Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations’ website www.deewr.gov.au is
the place to start. If you do not have access to the Internet, call DEEWR Mature age employment
on 13 17 64. Centrelink can help too. Go to www.centrelink.gov.au or If you are 50 years of age or older and looking for work, you can register
phone 13 24 90. to receive help from Job Services Australia. Your Job Services Australia
provider will work with you to develop your own combination of job search,
training and other assistance to address barriers to employment and to help
EMPLOYMENT you get and keep a job.
You may also want to explore the Experience+ website. This site contains
Job Services Australia assistance information for employers, mature age job seekers and mature age workers.
Job Services Australia is the Australian Government’s national employment This service includes free career advice, a résumé appraisal service, on-the
services system. Jobs Services Australia is a one stop shop for employment job support and job transition support. Experience+ can be found on the
services, and providers are located in more than 2100 towns, cities and DEEWR website at www.deewr.gov.au/employment/programs/expplus.
rural sites across Australia.
People with disability
If you are a job seeker, you will be linked to a provider of your choosing who
will work with you throughout the duration of your journey to employment. The new Disability Employment Services provides improved services
The provider will work with you to develop an Employment Pathway Plan, for job seekers with disability, injury, or health condition and can support
based on your needs and circumstances, which sets out the services and their families and carers and employers. Disability Employment Services
training that will help you to find and keep a job. providers are organisations contracted by the Australian Government across
Australia in more than 2000 sites. They provide a wide range of services
Details about Job Services Australia, including information for specialist services and support to help you find and maintain sustainable employment.
which are summarised below, and the location of Job Services Australia
providers, are available at www.deewr.gov.au/jobservicesaustralia. Disability Employment Services providers will work with you to develop an
individual program that focuses on your strengths, abilities and the barriers
you face in getting a job. Once you are placed in a job your provider may
Youth
also support you in the workplace if you need help to keep your job.
Job Services Australia is also available to young people who are aged
between 15 and 20, who are not employed for more than 15 hours per For more information, visit the DEEWR website, or JobAccess.
week or in full-time education and not in receipt of income support. In www.jobaccess.gov.au is a one-stop information shop providing help for
addition, if you have significant issues preventing you from getting a job, employers, employees, job seekers and service providers for the employment
you may be able to register directly with a Job Services Australia provider of people with disability.
to get immediate help. Go to www.youth.gov.au for the answers you need.
New Enterprise Incentive Scheme
People from non-English speaking Starting a new business is another employment option available to you as a
backgrounds job seeker. If you are considering setting up your own business, you may be
eligible for the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, depending on your
If you are a job seeker from a non-English speaking background, Job
personal circumstances. For more information see www.deewr.gov.au/
Services Australia can help you to get a job. You may also be given the
Employment/JSA/EmploymentServices/Pages/NEIS.
choice of attending a culturally and linguistically diverse specialist provider.
Indigenous Harvest Labour Services
Harvest Labour Services can help you find work as a harvest labourer in rural
The Australian Government is committed to halving the employment gap
and regional areas across Australia. Harvest work is generally available
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade. If
throughout the year where there are not enough local workers to harvest fruit
you are an Indigenous job seeker and are experiencing barriers to getting
and vegetable crops or assist wool growers. The National Harvest Labour
a job, all Job Services Australia providers can deliver specific services for
Information Service can help you find information about fruit and vegetable
you. You may also be given the choice of attending an Indigenous
harvest jobs across Australia. See jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail.
specialist. They operate in many locations across Australia and will
also have strategies for employing and retaining Indigenous Australians
in their own organisations.
32 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

33. Occupations and skills
Help if you have lost your job The Australian Government has introduced a number of initiatives to help
ease the financial difficulties Australian Apprentices experience in the early
Any workers who are made redundant are eligible for employment support years of their apprenticeship, particularly in trades experiencing a skills
with a Job Services Australia provider of their choice. shortage. If you are interested in an Australian Apprenticeship visit
In some circumstances, the Government is able to provide labour www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au for more information.
adjustment packages to assist employees in areas where large scale
closures may impact on the local labour market. Workers from eligible Higher Education
companies in the automotive manufacturing industry and the textile,
If you are considering studying at a university, the Australian Government
clothing and footwear industry have immediate access to intensive
provides information about higher education, providers of higher education
assistance through Job Services Australia. For more information, see
and student places, including information about enrolling and course costs,
www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/JSA/JobSeekerSupport.
loans, scholarships and income support for students. www.goingtouni.gov.au
The General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS) is a good starting point and it links to other useful resources.
(see below) may also be able to assist you if you are owed unpaid
wages or other entitlements because your employer has entered
liquidation or is bankrupt. REGIONAL ASSISTANCE
WORKPLACE RELATIONS Regional Development Australia Fund
The Regional Development Australia Fund will provide around $1 billion to
What support is available after I have boost economic development in the regions. The Government is calling for
a job? applications for projects that will boost economic development, create local
jobs and lift the quality of life in local communities and regions. Interested
Fair Work Australia (FWA) is the national workplace relations tribunal. It is parties can register to receive guidelines for the Fund when they are
an independent body with power to carry out a range of functions including released by sending an email to regionalgrants@regional.gov.au with
providing a safety net of minimum conditions, including minimum wages, ‘RDAF Interest’ in the subject line.
protection from unfair dismissal, balance between work and family life,
and the right to be represented in the workplace. For more information
see www.fwa.gov.au.
Local Employment Coordinators
Local Employment Coordinators (LECs) work in 20 vulnerable areas across
General Employee Entitlements Australia. LECs identify opportunities and drive strategic responses to local
needs by facilitating linkages across business, community, provider
and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS) organisations and all levels of government to help people into jobs and meet
Are you owed unpaid wages or other entitlements due to your employer demands for skills and labour.
going bankrupt? GEERS is a payment scheme established to assist
The LECs work with Keep Australia Working committees to harness local
employees who have lost their employment due to the liquidation or
expertise and provide guidance to develop and implement Regional
bankruptcy of their employer and who are owed capped unpaid wages,
Employment Plans that set out the employment priorities for the region.
annual and long service leave, capped payment in lieu of notice and capped
LECs provide assistance to retrenched workers, develop and support local
redundancy pay. For more information see www.deewr.gov.au/geers.
employment projects and industry events, connect employers with and
increase awareness of available government assistance and how to access
EDUCATION AND TRAINING it, and work closely with Regional Development Australia to enhance the
growth and development of Australia’s regions.
Skills are vital to the Australian economy and to improve your chances of
LECs have good links in their regions and work at a grassroots level to
gaining the job you want. There are many training opportunities available,
address labour market issues in local communities. By working closely with
from Australian Apprenticeships and university study to short courses
their communities, LECs actively encourage participation to the benefit of
which can help you gain employability skills and skills for sustainability
local communities and their economies. See www.deewr.gov.au for
(more information about employability and sustainability skills are on
more information.
pages 30 and 31).
From more information see www.deewr.gov.au Relocating for work
Connecting People with Jobs helps eligible job seekers to relocate for
Australian Apprenticeships full-time work or an apprenticeship. Eligible job seekers can be reimbursed
An apprenticeship is a training contract between an employer and an with between $3000 and $9000 to assist with the cost of moving. To find
employee in which the apprentice or trainee learns the skills needed for out more, contact your local Job Services Australia provider. Call 13 62 68
a particular occupation or trade. or visit www.deewr.gov.au/relocation.
Australian Apprenticeships are available to you if you are of working age.
They do not require any entry qualifications. You can be a school leaver,
re-entering the workforce or simply wishing to change careers. You may
even be able to start an Australian Apprenticeship while you are still at
school. No matter in what industry you might be interested, there is likely
to be an Australian Apprenticeship to meet your needs.
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 33

34. Occupations and skills
Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund Scholarships for the allied health field
The Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund has been established to reduce barriers If you live in regional Australia and are thinking about enrolling in an allied
faced by rural and regional students, under the age of 25, who would health related undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you may be eligible to
experience financial hardship in undertaking higher education without this apply for a scholarship under the Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and
assistance. The Fund will provide one-off grants of $3000 to eligible Support Scheme. The allied health field includes occupations such as
students. For information, including eligibility requirements, go to audiologist, aboriginal health worker, dentist, medical diagnostic
www.deewr.gov.au/rthf. radiographer, occupational therapist, optometrist, physiotherapist and social
worker. Scholarships are also available for professional development and
Scholarships for higher clinical placements. See the Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied
education students Health website at www.sarrah.org.au for more information
The Government has introduced scholarships as an entitlement for university
students receiving student payments. Since 1 April 2010, university students Thinking about a career in medicine?
in receipt of Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY have been eligible to There is a range of schemes to promote careers in rural medicine and
receive a new annual Student Start-Up Scholarship for each year they are increase the number of doctors in rural and regional areas in the longer
studying, valued at $2194 in 2011. If you are a student receiving Youth term. These include the HECS Reimbursement Scheme and the Bonded
Allowance or ABSTUDY and you need to move away from home to study you Medical Places Scheme. See www.doctorconnect.gov.au for a range
may also be eligible for the new Relocation Scholarship, valued in 2011 at of helpful information.
$4124 for the first year of study and $1031 for each year following. Both
scholarships are indexed annually. See www.centrelink.gov.au for more The Rural Australia Medical Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme (RAMUS)
information on eligibility for scholarships. aims to increase the number of medicine students with a rural background.
Scholarship holders receive $10 000 each year during the completion of a
Indigenous initiatives standard medical degree at their chosen university. For information on
eligibility and how to apply go to ramus.ruralhealth.org.au.
Are you an Indigenous student in regional or remote Australia who is
interested in going to university? If so, there are a range of scholarships
that you may wish to apply for. Contact the university at which you plan to
Assistance for Isolated Children
study for more information. Children living in remote areas can often face significant problems attending
school on a regular basis. The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme
If your studies are a mix of face to face contact and distance studies, you
helps the families of primary, secondary, and certain tertiary students who
may also be eligible for the Away from Base program. This program covers
cannot attend an appropriate state school on a daily basis because of
travel costs for eligible Indigenous Vocational Education and Training and
higher education students who undertake accredited courses of study geographical isolation. For information on eligibility and how to apply go to
through a combination of distance education and ‘residential’ periods of www.deewr.gov.au/schooling/AssistanceforIsolatedChildrenScheme.
intensive face-to-face teaching. Speak with Centrelink about this program
when you put in your ABSTUDY application, or ask your training provider if
they are part of the program.
Aged care nursing scholarships
Interested in pursuing a career as a registered Aged Care Nurse in regional
Australia? The Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme is an Australian
Government initiative aimed at encouraging more people to enter aged care
nursing and increasing the skills of nurses working in the aged care sector,
particularly in rural and regional Australia. Preference is given to applicants
living and working in regional, rural and remote areas, although applicants
living in metropolitan areas with an aged care background may apply. For
information on eligibility and how to apply go to www.rcna.org.au.
34 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

35. Job Prospects Matrix
GUIDE TO THE JOBS PROSPECTS MATRIX
How do I use the Job Prospects Matrix? Median Age
In the Job Prospects Matrix, which starts on the next page, titles are Data presented on age are the median age in years for workers in each
arranged in alphabetical order and some are duplicated to make them occupation. That is, half the workers in the occupation are younger and
easier to find. For example, data for Carpenters and Joiners appear also as half are older.
Joiners and Carpenters. Similar occupations may also be clustered together
with their titles reversed, for example Mechanical Engineer will be listed Full-time Employment Share
under Engineer, Mechanical so it is adjacent to other Engineers to help you
Information provided shows the proportion of workers in the occupation
compare similar occupations. Descriptions of the data in each column of
who work full-time. The information is based on the ABS definition of
the Matrix are provided below.
full-time, which is workers who usually work 35 hours or more per week.
Summary Job Prospects Earnings
The Job Prospects Matrix provides a rating for each occupation for the
Data on weekly earnings are before tax earnings for full-time employees
period to 2015–16. There are three ratings: above average, average and
in August 2009, and are obtained from the ABS publication Employee
below average.
Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership (Cat. no. 6310.0).
Job Prospects just mean ‘what are the chances of getting a job’. It is They are median earnings, which means that half the employees in the
important to note, though, that ratings are indicative and may vary from occupation earn less than the median weekly amount and half earn more.
region to region and according to the skills and attributes of individual job
Earnings information is presented as ‘deciles’ with the lowest earnings in
seekers. Clearly, if you have high level skills in a particular field your
the first decile and the highest in the tenth (about 10% of occupations are
chances of getting a job in that occupation are better than they are for in each decile). The median earnings are for all ages and levels of
those who do not have relevant skills or experience. Do not be deterred experience, so they are indicative only and cannot be used to determine
from training or looking for work in occupations which have ‘average’ or what a worker will actually earn in a particular job.
‘below average’ job prospects as there are opportunities in all occupations,
and good candidates are always highly sought after.
Weekly Earnings—decile ranges
Summary Job Prospects ratings in the Matrix are based on several factors
including recent and projected job growth, main employing industries, skill 1 ≥ $669 6 $1000-1059
shortages, unemployment, job turnover and vacancy trends. Job Prospects 2 $670-749 7 $1060-1236
ratings are based on labour market conditions expected over the next five years. 3 $750-804 8 $1237-1344
Job Outlook www.joboutlook.gov.au has more detailed information about Job 4 $805-901 9 $1345-1563
Prospects for occupations, and a graph of key indicators for each occupation. 5 $902-999 10 ≥ $1564
Future Employment Change
Employment and Employment Change
Employment growth projections for the period to 2015–16 are based on
The Employment column provides information about the number of people several inputs: occupational employment projections prepared by Monash
employed in Australia in November 2010 for each occupation. It relates to University; recent employment growth; future and actual industry
total employment so it includes both full-time and part-time workers. employment growth; and qualitative information on occupational
Employment Change shows the change in the number of people employed developments.
as well as the percentage change in employment over the five years to
November 2010. Future Employment Change (% per annum)
1 ≤ –0.3 Decline
Unemployment 2 -0.2 to 1.4 Relatively stable employment or
The Unemployment Rate is the number of unemployed persons as a slight growth
percentage of the labour force (employed plus unemployed). Unemployment 3 1.5 to 2.3 Moderate growth
is presented in five categories: low, below average, average, above average 4 2.4 to 3.3 Strong growth
and high.
5 ≥ 3.4 Very strong growth
An occupation may have high unemployment but also be experiencing
shortages for particular skills. This can occur when there is a geographic
mismatch between workers with skills and employers who are seeking
skills, but may also be a result of the skills held by unemployed people not
matching those required by employers.
Gender
This column shows the proportion of those employed in the occupation who
are female. Overall, females comprise 45% of employment in Australia.
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 35

36. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
A
Accountants average 157.6 16.3 11.5 average 47 38 83 9
Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers average 5.1 -1.1 -17.8 above average 46 30 24 1
Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians above average 4.9 -2.4 -33.3 low 37 36 89 10
Advertising and Marketing Professionals above average 49.5 9.3 23.1 average 54 33 84 6
Agricultural Technicians average 1.3 -1.2 -48.2 low 33 47 92 4
Agricultural, Forestry & Horticultural Operators above average 15.4 2.7 21.5 high 9 40 86 2
Air Transport Professionals above average 14.3 3.3 29.6 low 2 41 76 9
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics above average 23.6 4.3 22.4 average 0 32 91 3
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers above average 15.8 2.6 19.7 average 4 38 97 9
Ambulance Officers and Paramedics above average 13.3 2.8 27.2 average 27 40 93 8
Anaesthetists above average 5.2 1.4 36.3 low 22 39 84 10
Animal Attendants and Trainers average 12.0 -0.7 -5.7 above average 70 33 53 7
Aquaculture Workers average 1.6 - - high 5 23 71 1
Architects and Landscape Architects above average 23.1 1.6 7.4 below average 23 39 84 9
Architectural, Building & Surveying Technicians above average 61.2 3.0 5.2 average 10 41 92 9
Archivists, Curators and Records Managers above average 7.1 2.8 64.1 low 79 37 77 6
Auctioneers and Stock and Station Agents average 4.7 0.2 4.7 low 11 41 88 9
Audiologists and Speech Pathologists above average 8.3 3.9 89.3 below average 94 34 61 8
Auditors and Company Secretaries average 11.8 -0.2 -1.4 below average 31 38 89 7
Authors, and Book and Script Editors average 5.5 -0.2 -3.2 above average 66 47 57 9
Automotive Electricians above average 9.3 1.6 21.5 low 0 32 92 6
B
Bakers and Pastrycooks above average 34.2 11.3 49.0 above average 23 33 85 2
Bank Workers below average 53.2 0.3 0.5 average 73 34 66 4
Bar Attendants and Baristas average 77.4 11.5 17.4 high 50 24 36 2
Barristers above average 9.0 - - low 28 44 87 -
Beauty Therapists above average 26.1 4.2 19.3 above average 99 28 54 1
Binders, Finishers and Screen Printers below average 5.1 -0.2 -4.0 above average 18 44 80 1
Boat Builders and Shipwrights below average 6.1 1.3 26.0 low 0 34 90 6
Bookkeepers average 122.6 -11.7 -8.7 below average 94 45 29 5
Bricklayers and Stonemasons above average 36.7 2.6 7.8 above average 1 39 90 4
Butchers and Smallgoods Makers average 16.4 -1.9 -10.4 high 3 35 86 3
C
Cabinetmakers average 27.9 -3.1 -10.0 above average 2 33 93 3
Cafe Workers average 15.7 -4.2 -21.1 above average 87 26 24 2
Call or Contact Centre Workers average 36.0 5.8 19.3 high 65 30 74 4
Canvas and Leather Goods Makers below average 2.3 -1.8 -44.0 high 29 41 83 2
Car Detailers average 20.5 5.0 32.0 above average 16 39 69 1
Care Workers, Personal and Nursing Support above average 85.2 15.2 21.7 average 79 44 43 3
Care Workers, Special above average 2.6 0.7 34.9 low 78 47 72 5
Carers, Aged and Disabled above average 130.6 66.2 102.7 average 83 46 36 2
Carers, Child above average 115.7 26.0 29.0 above average 96 32 48 1
Caretakers average 5.0 0.7 17.6 below average 11 56 56 5
Carpenters and Joiners above average 122.1 6.3 5.5 average 0 31 94 5
Cartographers and Surveyors above average 17.1 7.1 71.1 below average 15 39 89 7
Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers above average 147.0 24.8 20.3 high 75 20 17 1
Chefs above average 75.7 17.8 30.7 above average 25 34 83 4
Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists average 7.7 -2.8 -26.7 below average 30 39 89 9
Chiropractors and Osteopaths above average 3.5 -0.2 -6.7 average 53 36 40 10
Cleaners, Commercial average 156.4 2.1 1.3 high 60 46 35 2
Cleaners, Domestic above average 30.4 3.7 13.8 high 79 46 22 4
Cleaners, Other below average 11.6 -5.3 -31.5 high 14 41 59 3
Clerical and Office Support Workers, Other below average 8.1 -2.7 -24.8 above average 55 41 77 2
Clerks, Accounting above average 140.7 28.2 25.1 average 80 41 67 4
Clerks, Betting below average 4.4 1.0 29.8 high 72 49 26 3
Clerks, Court and Legal average 11.3 -2.3 -17.1 average 80 37 71 3
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
36 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

37. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
Clerks, Filing and Registry average 24.5 3.5 16.9 above average 75 38 58 3
Clerks, General above average 191.2 78.8 70.1 average 84 42 63 5
Clerks, Human Resource above average 14.3 5.9 70.7 below average 62 43 83 6
Clerks, Inquiry below average 58.1 -9.5 -14.0 high 69 35 73 4
Clerks, Insurance, Money Market and Statistical average 29.0 3.6 14.2 average 67 37 77 5
Clerks, Payroll average 34.9 4.1 13.1 average 85 43 68 5
Clerks, Purchasing and Supply Logistics average 84.1 -0.5 -0.6 average 43 39 86 5
Clerks, Transport and Despatch average 35.7 1.8 5.3 average 31 41 85 6
Clothing Trades Workers below average 8.2 -3.0 -26.8 average 77 52 58 2
Commissioned Officers (Management) average 1.2 -0.1 -8.6 low 0 43 100 10
Complementary Health Therapists above average 7.0 -0.3 -3.7 below average 74 48 35 1
Computer Network Professionals above average 24.4 4.3 21.1 below average 11 36 95 9
Concreters above average 38.2 5.6 17.0 high 1 34 84 6
Conference and Event Organisers above average 22.2 9.3 72.3 low 77 31 76 5
Contract, Program and Project Administrators above average 103.8 47.9 85.7 above average 55 42 87 8
Conveyancers and Legal Executives above average 10.5 1.2 12.4 above average 78 33 74 5
Cooks above average 36.0 1.1 3.1 high 54 37 55 2
Counsellors above average 16.9 2.0 13.5 below average 78 47 63 6
Couriers and Postal Deliverers above average 50.9 11.3 28.6 above average 16 45 78 4
Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators above average 13.9 1.5 11.8 high 1 41 97 9
Credit and Loans Officers average 27.4 -0.6 -2.3 below average 53 37 89 6
D
Dancers, Actors and Other Entertainers average 5.1 -1.1 -17.8 above average 46 30 24 1
Debt Collectors average 12.8 1.4 12.5 below average 60 36 85 4
Deck and Fishing Hands average 8.6 1.4 19.8 above average 4 38 82 7
Dental Assistants above average 20.5 1.4 7.0 below average 96 29 56 2
Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists above average 5.8 0.8 16.0 below average 37 36 76 3
Dental Practitioners above average 11.2 -0.1 -1.0 low 37 46 66 10
Dietitians above average 3.8 -0.8 -17.6 low 96 29 57 4
Directors (Film, Television, Radio and Stage) average 11.8 2.5 26.8 below average 41 36 81 3
Directors, Artistic, and Media Producers
below average 13.6 4.7 53.4 below average 38 35 83 5
& Presenters
Diversional Therapists above average 6.8 - - low 97 54 49 2
Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers above average 43.5 15.7 56.5 below average 4 39 98 10
Drivers, Automobile above average 32.6 -1.9 -5.5 above average 6 45 69 3
Drivers, Bus and Coach above average 33.6 5.1 17.8 average 13 55 68 4
Drivers, Delivery above average 42.5 4.1 10.6 high 10 38 62 3
Drivers, Forklift average 63.5 4.7 7.9 high 3 40 92 4
Drivers, Train and Tram above average 11.1 2.2 24.2 low 8 48 95 8
Drivers, Truck above average 166.0 9.6 6.1 above average 3 46 91 6
Driving Instructors average 5.8 1.0 21.3 average 26 50 51 1
E
Economists above average 7.1 3.1 77.3 above average 27 36 84 10
Economists, Land and Valuers below average 7.8 -4.6 -37.3 low 14 42 89 10
Education Advisers and Reviewers average 10.6 -1.3 -10.8 below average 80 49 76 8
Education Aides above average 64.6 4.4 7.4 average 90 46 24 1
Electrical Distribution Trades Workers above average 11.2 4.4 65.8 low 1 41 97 8
Electricians above average 151.2 46.7 44.7 below average 1 33 94 7
Electronics Trades Workers average 40.2 3.9 10.6 above average 3 36 84 6
Engineering and Building Technicians, Other above average 23.8 13.4 127.7 average 10 42 96 10
Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians, Civil above average 13.6 4.9 56.5 average 14 37 89 9
Engineering Draftspersons and
above average 9.9 1.7 20.1 low 9 45 91 9
Technicians, Electrical
Engineering Draftspersons and
below average 4.7 -3.3 -41.5 low 11 47 90 5
Technicians, Electronic
Engineering Draftspersons and
above average 7.7 1.8 29.6 average 5 44 90 10
Technicians, Mechanical
Engineering Production Systems Workers below average 24.2 -7.6 -24.0 average 4 42 95 6
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 37

38. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
Engineering Professionals, Civil above average 49.8 11.9 31.4 average 13 37 90 9
Engineering Professionals, Other average 9.2 -0.1 -1.0 low 13 36 90 9
Engineering Professionals, Telecommunications above average 10.0 1.9 22.9 average 11 41 94 8
Engineers, Chemical and Materials above average 7.0 2.5 56.7 low 16 36 90 8
Engineers, Electrical above average 18.9 4.6 32.2 below average 3 37 98 10
Engineers, Electronics above average 6.4 1.0 17.6 high 0 44 87 10
Engineers, ICT Support and Test above average 7.9 - - below average 23 37 96 8
Engineers, Industrial, Mechanical and Production above average 29.5 1.1 3.8 average 3 39 92 10
Engineers, Mining above average 13.2 8.1 157.2 average 16 35 89 10
Environmental & Occupational
above average 23.7 9.1 62.7 low 38 42 88 9
Health Professionals
Event and Conference Organisers above average 22.2 9.3 72.3 low 77 31 76 5
F
Factory Process Workers, Other below average 12.1 -0.3 -2.4 high 22 34 65 4
Factory Workers, Food and Drink average 37.6 14.2 60.8 above average 24 40 85 4
Factory Workers, Plastics and Rubber below average 3.8 -4.6 -55.3 high 26 37 89 4
Farm Workers, Crop average 28.0 -7.3 -20.6 high 28 37 68 2
Farm Workers, Livestock average 30.2 3.7 14.0 above average 36 35 60 2
Farm Workers, Mixed Crop and Livestock average 3.4 -0.7 -17.2 low 33 44 68 7
Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers, Other average 11.4 3.3 40.5 above average 5 42 87 4
Farmers, Aquaculture average 3.4 1.3 66.2 low 34 50 84 -
Farmers, Crop average 47.7 -5.4 -10.1 below average 19 51 83 3
Farmers, Livestock average 105.1 10.3 10.9 low 31 57 77 4
Farmers, Mixed Crop and Livestock average 42.2 3.9 10.2 low 23 54 84 3
Fashion, Industrial and Jewellery Designers below average 9.5 2.2 30.3 above average 60 38 81 10
Fast Food Cooks average 31.0 8.9 40.4 high 32 18 16 1
Fencers average 12.6 3.1 33.1 above average 2 39 84 1
Financial Brokers average 20.8 -1.9 -8.2 below average 26 42 92 9
Financial Dealers below average 13.2 -13.3 -50.2 below average 31 40 83 8
Financial Investment Advisers and Managers average 36.1 -2.6 -6.7 above average 30 38 89 10
Fire and Emergency Workers above average 15.0 5.0 50.3 low 3 44 97 8
Fitness Instructors above average 22.8 6.1 36.7 below average 57 33 31 7
Floor Finishers average 8.7 -2.7 -23.5 above average 1 37 87 4
Florists average 5.7 -0.4 -5.8 high 96 42 65 1
Food Trades Assistants below average 4.2 -0.5 -9.7 high 51 37 24 2
Forestry and Logging Workers below average 2.9 1.0 48.8 high 7 44 90 2
Freight and Furniture Handlers average 18.8 3.8 25.7 high 2 36 79 6
Funeral Workers above average 5.0 2.3 87.8 average 57 47 83 4
G
Gallery, Library and Museum Technicians average 8.5 2.3 37.6 low 88 50 41 5
Gaming Workers average 9.9 0.9 10.1 average 44 31 75 4
Gardeners above average 65.2 4.2 6.9 above average 12 37 74 3
Geologists and Geophysicists above average 7.7 -0.3 -4.2 high 15 41 91 10
Glaziers above average 9.9 3.0 44.1 above average 1 35 93 5
Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators above average 52.2 13.5 34.9 average 47 34 74 7
Graphic Pre-press Trades Workers below average 3.6 -2.1 -36.9 low 33 39 77 1
Greenkeepers average 16.0 2.1 14.9 above average 3 41 83 3
Guides, Gallery, Museum and Tour average 7.6 1.0 15.0 average 53 42 41 3
Guides, Outdoor Adventure above average 2.9 - - low 18 28 75 1
H
Hairdressers above average 55.3 1.0 1.9 average 86 30 61 1
Handypersons average 35.6 -0.5 -1.5 average 4 50 62 3
Health Diagnostic and Promotion
above average 7.6 3.0 63.5 average 81 41 72 9
Professionals, Other
Hotel Service Managers above average 10.6 - - above average 65 30 77 3
Housekeepers average 24.7 4.6 22.7 high 85 43 34 2
Human Resource Professionals above average 56.6 13.0 30.0 average 69 33 85 7
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
38 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

39. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
I
ICT Business and Systems Analysts above average 26.3 3.7 16.4 below average 25 39 94 10
ICT Sales Professionals average 16.0 7.7 93.5 above average 26 37 94 7
ICT Security and Database &
above average 32.5 3.8 13.4 below average 25 37 88 8
Systems Administrators
ICT Support and Test Engineers above average 7.9 - - below average 23 37 96 8
ICT Support Technicians above average 46.8 7.0 17.5 above average 19 33 86 6
ICT Trainers below average 2.7 -1.4 -34.6 average 55 45 59 8
Importers, Exporters and Wholesalers average 24.3 5.3 27.8 low 20 47 86 6
Indigenous Health Workers average 0.1 - - low 97 40 98 -
Industrial Spraypainters average 8.4 2.6 45.5 high 4 37 93 3
Information and Organisation
average 18.2 7.2 65.9 average 56 35 83 8
Professionals, Other
Inspectors and Regulatory Officers average 35.9 9.7 36.9 average 53 41 86 6
Insulation and Home Improvement Installers average 21.6 4.2 24.1 high 2 36 87 4
Insurance Agents above average 14.2 4.0 39.7 below average 61 35 77 7
Insurance Investigators and Loss Adjusters average 5.3 -1.2 -18.9 low 23 41 90 6
Intelligence and Policy Analysts above average 15.4 0.2 1.4 low 51 40 80 9
Interior Designers above average 9.0 1.6 22.4 average 70 38 63 8
Internal Medicine Specialists above average 5.4 -0.2 -3.1 low 34 37 84 10
J
Jewellers average 6.4 0.2 3.8 low 35 44 63 7
Joiners and Carpenters above average 122.1 6.3 5.5 average 0 31 94 5
Journalists and Other Writers average 22.9 2.7 13.5 average 47 37 73 7
K
Keyboard Operators below average 79.8 -11.7 -12.8 above average 84 40 58 3
Kitchenhands average 116.0 21.1 22.2 high 58 25 23 2
L
Labourers, Building and Plumbing above average 56.4 7.4 15.1 high 1 32 82 5
Labourers, Garden and Nursery average 43.4 8.0 22.5 high 13 42 68 2
Labourers, Other Construction and Mining above average 7.7 0.1 1.9 high 2 30 91 7
Labourers, Paving and Surfacing average 9.3 1.8 23.6 high 0 40 95 4
Landscape Architects and Architects above average 23.1 1.6 7.4 below average 23 39 84 9
Laundry Workers average 19.6 3.1 18.9 average 74 49 52 1
Leather and Canvas Goods Makers below average 2.3 -1.8 -44.0 high 29 41 83 2
Legal Executives and Conveyancers above average 10.5 1.2 12.4 above average 78 33 74 5
Librarians average 14.7 1.2 9.2 low 81 50 69 8
Library Assistants below average 5.7 -3.5 -38.1 high 89 48 32 2
M
Machine Operators, Clay Concrete, Glass & Stone below average 2.5 -2.2 -47.6 below average 0 42 96 3
Machine Operators, Other below average 13.2 1.4 11.6 above average 29 36 69 4
Machine Operators, Paper and Wood Processing below average 8.2 0.5 6.6 average 8 43 95 -
Machine Operators, Plastics and
below average 10.2 -1.3 -11.4 high 9 41 94 5
Rubber Production
Machine Operators, Textile and
below average 2.1 -3.1 -59.9 high 29 42 92 3
Footwear Production
Mail Sorters below average 16.4 1.7 11.3 high 51 45 63 3
Management and Organisation Analysts above average 48.1 9.2 23.6 average 40 40 84 10
Managers, Advertising and Sales above average 119.2 -7.9 -6.2 below average 31 41 93 9
Managers, Amusement, Fitness and Sports Centre average 11.5 2.7 30.7 below average 36 40 84 4
Managers, Cafe and Restaurant average 65.3 12.4 23.4 above average 53 42 79 3
Managers, Call, Contact Centre and
below average 35.4 -0.2 -0.6 below average 42 40 92 5
Customer Service
Managers, Caravan Park and Camping Ground below average 3.0 -1.7 -35.8 high 38 55 90 1
Managers, Child Care Centre above average 7.9 0.8 10.7 above average 91 38 75 6
Managers, Construction above average 82.0 33.0 67.2 below average 4 43 95 9
Managers, Corporate Services average 6.1 -3.3 -35.2 low 63 47 80 7
Managers, Engineering above average 15.5 2.7 20.9 below average 7 43 97 10
Managers, Finance average 46.1 2.3 5.2 below average 40 44 89 10
Managers, General average 42.1 2.0 5.0 below average 25 45 91 9
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 39

40. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
Managers, Health and Welfare Services above average 18.4 5.3 40.7 low 73 50 91 8
Managers, Human Resource above average 44.6 8.5 23.7 below average 53 43 90 10
Managers, ICT above average 41.9 -0.1 -0.3 below average 21 41 94 10
Managers, Licensed Club below average 6.7 1.0 16.7 below average 40 40 91 5
Managers, Nursing above average 14.7 - - low 84 49 81 10
Managers, Office average 134.5 -2.6 -1.9 below average 81 44 67 5
Managers, Other Accommodation and Hospitality below average 6.4 -1.3 -17.1 low 53 56 62 7
Managers, Other Education average 7.5 -3.5 -31.6 below average 59 52 87 9
Managers, Other Hospitality, Retail and Service above average 68.0 20.5 43.3 low 29 44 88 8
Managers, Other Specialist average 38.7 6.5 20.1 average 33 45 89 10
Managers, Policy and Planning above average 24.5 7.9 47.7 low 50 47 87 10
Managers, Production average 59.3 10.5 21.5 below average 14 44 94 9
Managers, Research and Development average 12.3 1.4 12.4 low 46 42 87 10
Managers, Retail average 238.6 40.7 20.6 average 46 40 85 4
Managers, Supply and Distribution below average 26.8 1.6 6.2 low 17 43 96 9
Managers, Transport Services above average 22.1 3.8 21.0 low 14 48 91 6
Managers,. Hotel and Motel average 20.1 -2.2 -9.8 below average 39 41 89 7
Managers, Practice above average 13.0 1.8 16.3 above average 92 46 57 9
Managing Directors and Chief Executives above average 60.0 14.3 31.1 below average 17 51 90 10
Manufacturers below average 25.0 -0.4 -1.6 below average 13 45 88 4
Marine Transport Professionals above average 7.7 1.0 15.2 low 4 44 92 10
Massage Therapists above average 15.6 5.7 57.6 below average 71 42 24 1
Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries above average 4.9 -2.4 -33.3 low 37 36 89 10
Meat Boners and Slicers, and Slaughterers below average 15.2 2.9 23.6 above average 9 32 93 5
Media Producers & Presenters, and
below average 13.6 4.7 53.4 below average 38 35 83 5
Artistic Directors
Medical Imaging Professionals above average 13.4 1.1 9.0 low 66 36 81 8
Medical Practitioners, General above average 49.0 10.8 28.3 low 45 42 81 10
Medical Practitioners, Other above average 12.2 3.6 42.0 low 35 43 78 10
Medical Technicians above average 28.0 10.2 57.7 below average 83 41 53 4
Metal Casting, Forging & Finishing Trades below average 1.8 -1.4 -44.2 high 0 41 73 5
Metal Fitters and Machinists average 105.0 1.6 1.5 average 1 38 97 7
Metal Trades Workers, Precision average 9.6 3.7 62.3 average 4 40 87 6
Midwives above average 12.9 -0.9 -6.4 low 100 46 37 8
Miners, Drillers and Shot Firers above average 43.5 15.7 56.5 below average 4 39 98 10
Ministers of Religion average 15.0 1.9 14.7 low 29 48 75 2
Models and Sales Demonstrators below average 9.9 -0.3 -2.8 low 89 45 22 3
Motor Mechanics above average 98.0 4.4 4.7 below average 1 36 92 3
Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters average 19.5 7.2 57.8 below average 0 30 93 3
Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers above average 10.8 - - below average 18 30 87 6
Music Professionals below average 6.5 -7.0 -51.6 above average 27 37 37 1
N
Nurse Educators and Researchers above average 6.4 2.7 73.4 below average 97 44 45 2
Nurse Managers above average 14.7 - - low 84 49 81 10
Nurse, Enrolled and Mothercraft above average 31.3 -2.5 -7.3 low 90 46 47 5
Nurserypersons below average 2.8 -3.9 -58.3 high 29 47 74 2
Nurses, Registered above average 214.0 37.7 21.4 low 91 44 55 7
Nursing Support and Personal Care Workers above average 85.2 15.2 21.7 average 79 44 43 3
O
Occupational & Environmental
above average 23.7 9.1 62.7 low 38 42 88 9
Health Professionals
Occupational Therapists above average 10.2 3.2 45.7 low 89 33 59 6
Optometrists and Orthoptists above average 3.3 0.4 12.6 above average 60 38 54 5
Osteopaths and Chiropractors above average 3.5 -0.2 -6.7 average 53 36 40 10
P
Packers below average 62.3 -14.8 -19.2 high 57 38 64 3
Painting Trades Workers average 43.7 -1.0 -2.2 above average 5 41 86 7
Panelbeaters above average 15.3 -1.7 -10.1 above average 1 35 90 5
Paramedics and Ambulance Officers above average 13.3 2.8 27.2 average 27 40 93 8
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
40 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

41. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
Pastrycooks and Bakers above average 34.2 11.3 49.0 above average 23 33 85 2
Performing Arts Technicians below average 11.2 -1.3 -10.4 above average 21 35 74 7
Personal Assistants below average 52.7 -17.7 -25.1 below average 98 40 81 5
Personal Care Consultants average 4.3 0.1 1.4 low 75 49 19 1
Personal Service Workers, Other average 10.4 3.7 55.9 above average 71 45 44 4
Pharmacists above average 20.5 5.7 38.1 below average 57 37 69 9
Photographers average 10.9 2.8 35.4 high 29 42 69 1
Photographic Developers and Printers below average 1.6 -2.5 -61.3 high 81 38 37 1
Physiotherapists above average 22.9 7.5 48.4 low 61 40 74 8
Planners, Urban and Regional average 11.5 0.3 2.9 low 38 41 87 9
Plant Operators, Chemical, Gas, Petroleum
average 7.8 -1.5 -15.7 average 0 46 98 10
and Power
Plant Operators, Earthmoving above average 56.2 11.3 25.1 above average 2 43 95 7
Plant Operators, Other Mobile above average 11.5 2.3 25.3 above average 5 38 86 6
Plant Operators, Other Stationary above average 21.6 2.5 12.8 below average 8 45 94 8
Plasterers above average 38.2 8.0 26.4 above average 1 35 91 7
Plumbers above average 92.2 22.5 32.3 average 0 34 93 6
Podiatrists above average 2.1 -0.1 -3.0 low 60 32 84 -
Police average 60.3 7.2 13.5 low 21 37 96 8
Policy and Intelligence Analysts above average 15.4 0.2 1.4 low 51 40 80 9
Postal Deliverers and Couriers above average 50.9 11.3 28.6 above average 16 45 78 4
Primary Products Inspectors below average 4.4 0.5 13.1 low 36 42 74 9
Printers below average 16.9 3.0 21.8 average 15 40 91 4
Printers and Photographic Developers below average 1.6 -2.5 -61.3 high 81 38 37 1
Printing Assistants and Table Workers below average 7.0 -1.3 -15.6 high 30 42 69 2
Prison Officers average 12.8 1.3 11.2 low 21 41 94 7
Process Workers, Meat, Poultry and Seafood below average 15.1 0.6 4.0 high 25 36 91 3
Process Workers, Metal Engineering below average 14.2 -4.7 -24.9 high 4 41 92 4
Process Workers, Timber and Wood below average 6.9 -3.4 -32.9 high 8 32 85 2
Product Assemblers below average 34.1 -14.7 -30.1 high 27 40 87 3
Product Quality Controllers below average 18.7 2.8 17.5 high 39 43 84 5
Psychiatrists above average 1.9 -0.4 -16.4 low 66 45 65 -
Psychologists above average 23.3 10.1 77.0 low 75 45 59 7
Public Relations Professionals above average 21.6 2.0 10.0 below average 62 36 78 9
R
Railway Track Workers above average 8.2 - - average 3 45 98 -
Real Estate Sales Agents above average 92.6 27.1 41.4 below average 46 42 84 4
Receptionists average 183.6 8.8 5.0 above average 95 40 51 2
Recycling and Rubbish Collectors average 2.2 -2.1 -49.4 below average 15 40 63 3
Retail and Wool Buyers average 9.5 1.9 25.2 low 41 34 93 5
Retail Supervisors above average 40.4 10.3 34.2 average 57 32 75 3
S
Safety Inspectors below average 2.8 -2.6 -47.9 high 4 52 85 7
Sales Assistants, (General) above average 527.8 16.0 3.1 high 70 24 28 2
Sales Assistants and Salespersons, Other above average 17.7 - - above average 49 36 52 4
Sales Assistants, ICT above average 20.1 3.8 23.2 above average 32 27 69 5
Sales Assistants, Pharmacy above average 36.4 3.2 9.5 above average 91 26 31 1
Sales Professionals, ICT average 16.0 7.7 93.5 above average 26 37 94 7
Sales Representatives above average 105.4 1.7 1.6 above average 38 39 87 6
Sales Representatives, Technical above average 34.6 14.3 70.2 average 29 41 93 8
Sales Support Workers, Other average 4.3 - - low 32 34 67 1
Salespersons, Motor Vehicle and Vehicle Parts average 35.1 3.1 9.7 average 16 36 91 5
Salespersons, Street Vendors and Related below average 11.8 -2.2 -15.8 high 50 45 47 2
Salespersons, Ticket average 14.9 -2.0 -12.1 average 68 31 58 5
School Principals average 17.8 -4.3 -19.7 low 59 52 99 10
Science Professionals, Other Natural and Physical above average 10.0 4.6 85.1 below average 18 38 87 9
Science Technicians below average 13.5 -5.4 -28.4 below average 47 39 77 6
Scientists, Agricultural and Forestry average 6.0 -1.6 -20.9 average 30 42 83 6
Scientists, Environmental above average 22.3 6.6 42.0 low 40 37 87 8
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 41

42. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
Scientists, Food and Wine, and Chemists average 7.7 -2.8 -26.7 below average 30 39 89 9
Scientists, Life above average 10.0 3.2 48.0 low 52 37 78 6
Scientists, Medical Laboratory above average 21.2 4.7 28.6 low 67 38 81 8
Screen Printers and Binders & Finishers below average 5.1 -0.2 -4.0 above average 18 44 80 1
Secretaries below average 68.5 -49.5 -42.0 average 98 45 46 4
Security Officers and Guards average 52.5 2.4 4.9 high 19 41 74 6
Service Station Attendants average 9.8 -0.8 -7.3 high 41 29 35 2
Sewing Machinists below average 13.8 -0.9 -5.9 average 88 51 67 1
Shearers average 4.2 -2.1 -32.9 low 0 40 94 6
Sheetmetal Trades Workers above average 11.0 3.5 47.0 above average 2 36 98 5
Shelf Fillers average 70.8 -3.7 -5.0 high 42 22 23 2
Signwriters below average 5.4 -1.6 -22.5 high 11 41 88 2
Social Professionals above average 12.8 2.9 28.7 above average 74 48 52 8
Social Workers above average 21.5 8.6 67.0 below average 82 42 69 8
Software and Applications Programmers above average 70.0 -6.8 -8.8 average 16 37 93 9
Solicitors above average 63.0 22.4 55.2 below average 49 38 88 10
Speech Professionals and Audiologists above average 8.3 3.9 89.3 below average 94 34 61 8
Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officials average 27.5 -0.5 -1.7 above average 46 25 27 3
Sportspersons average 9.5 1.2 14.7 above average 27 23 59 1
Stonemasons and Bricklayers above average 36.7 2.6 7.8 above average 1 39 90 4
Storepersons above average 106.0 18.4 21.0 high 18 38 79 3
Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers above average 82.8 13.2 18.9 above average 1 36 95 5
Structural Steel Construction Workers above average 16.1 -1.1 -6.3 high 1 34 92 7
Surgeons above average 6.1 1.5 32.0 low 16 41 83 10
Survey Interviewers above average 4.5 1.4 46.1 high 70 28 29 1
Surveyors and Cartographers above average 17.1 7.1 71.1 below average 15 39 89 7
Switchboard Operators below average 5.3 -3.6 -40.4 high 84 48 56 2
T
Teachers of English to Speakers
above average 6.2 0.0 0.4 above average 68 45 41 9
of Other Languages
Teachers, Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) above average 23.0 5.1 28.2 below average 99 38 55 7
Teachers, Middle School above average 1.7 - - low 61 43 81 -
Teachers, Primary School above average 153.4 12.7 9.1 low 84 41 68 8
Teachers, Secondary School above average 156.1 13.3 9.3 below average 62 44 82 8
Teachers, Special Education above average 15.8 2.7 20.2 above average 86 48 53 8
Teachers, Vocational Education above average 36.9 4.4 13.7 below average 54 48 62 8
Technicians and Draftspersons, Civil Engineering above average 13.6 4.9 56.5 average 14 37 89 9
Technicians and Draftspersons,
above average 9.9 1.7 20.1 low 9 45 91 9
Electrical Engineering
Technicians and Draftspersons,
below average 4.7 -3.3 -41.5 low 11 47 90 5
Electronic Engineering
Technicians and Draftspersons,
above average 7.7 1.8 29.6 average 5 44 90 10
Mechanical Engineering
Technicians, Agricultural average 1.3 -1.2 -48.2 low 33 47 92 4
Technicians, Architectural, Building and Surveying above average 61.2 3.0 5.2 average 10 41 92 9
Technicians, Gallery, Library and Museum average 8.5 2.3 37.6 low 88 50 41 5
Technicians, ICT Support above average 46.8 7.0 17.5 above average 19 33 86 6
Technicians, Medical above average 28.0 10.2 57.7 below average 83 41 53 4
Technicians, Other Building and Engineering above average 23.8 13.4 127.7 average 10 42 96 10
Technicians, Science below average 13.5 -5.4 -28.4 below average 47 39 77 6
Telecommunications Technical Specialists above average 4.1 0.7 21.6 low 19 46 98 9
Telecommunications Trades Workers average 22.3 -2.5 -10.1 above average 5 41 90 6
Telemarketers below average 10.5 -6.3 -37.6 high 63 27 49 3
Tilers, Roof average 7.6 -2.7 -26.3 below average 0 34 95 3
Tilers, Wall and Floor above average 21.0 4.3 25.4 high 1 35 84 -
Toolmakers and Engineering Patternmakers below average 5.5 -2.2 -28.7 average 0 44 91 -
Tourism and Travel Advisers average 25.3 5.1 25.3 average 78 34 82 3
Trainers, ICT below average 2.7 -1.4 -34.6 average 55 45 59 8
Training and Development Professionals above average 27.5 5.7 26.3 low 65 42 79 8
Transport Professionals, Air above average 14.3 3.3 29.6 low 2 41 76 9
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
42 AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au

43. Job Prospects Matrix
F-T
Employ’t Employ’t Median Future
Job Unemp Gender Median Share of
Occupation Nov Change 5 years Earnings Employment
Prospects 2010 Females Age Employ’t
2010 to Nov 2010 2009 Change
2010
‘000 ‘000 % % years % decile
Transport Professionals, Marine above average 7.7 1.0 15.2 low 4 44 92 10
Travel Attendants average 12.9 2.9 29.4 average 78 35 65 7
Tutors and Teachers, Private above average 34.6 9.5 37.7 below average 69 40 23 9
U
University Lecturers and Tutors above average 51.8 8.7 20.2 above average 48 48 68 9
Upholsterers below average 2.9 -0.5 -14.2 above average 14 47 72 3
V
Valuers and Land Economists below average 7.8 -4.6 -37.3 low 14 42 89 10
Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers average 4.1 -1.5 -26.5 low 2 37 91 1
Vehicle Painters average 11.4 1.1 10.8 below average 5 35 96 4
Vending Machine Attendants below average 4.9 -0.5 -9.3 low 70 35 43 5
Veterinarians above average 9.3 2.9 45.5 low 42 37 81 7
Veterinary Nurses average 5.9 -0.3 -4.5 low 92 30 44 2
Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals below average 8.5 -1.9 -17.9 above average 60 52 47 1
Visual Merchandisers average 7.4 2.2 40.9 above average 93 38 33 3
W
Waiters above average 122.0 21.9 21.8 high 77 21 23 2
Web Developers and Multimedia Specialists above average 10.8 - - below average 18 30 87 6
Welding Trades and Structural Steel Workers above average 82.8 13.2 18.9 above average 1 36 95 5
Welfare Support Workers above average 53.3 12.5 30.6 average 73 45 69 4
Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts Workers above average 20.7 3.4 19.7 above average 79 45 77 6
Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers below average 6.9 -1.2 -15.0 high 13 45 79 2
Decline Remain relatively stable Moderate Strong Very strong
AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 DATA SOURCES
Data in Australian Jobs 2011 are based on the following sources. attainment. Accordingly, readers should not directly compare data at the
state level to data at the regional level. Educational attainment data refer
Australian Bureau of Statistics only to persons aged 15-64.
• ABS Labour Force, Australia (Cat. no. 6202.0) • ABS Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership
• Labour Force, Australia, Detailed - Electronic Delivery (Cat. no. 6310.0)
(Cat. no. 6291.0.55.001) • ABS Education and Training Experience, 2009 (Cat. no 6278.0)
• Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, Quarterly (Cat. no. 6291.0.55.003)
Department of Education, Employment
For many small occupations, standard errors are large relative to the size of
the employment estimates. Although trend data are used for employment and Workplace Relations
estimates, employment growth trends are variable for small occupations and • Employment projections based on actual employment trends, economic
should be used with caution. trends and prospects, economic models, including Access Economics
and the Centre of Policy Studies at Monash University, and current and
For consistency, throughout the publication, employment data at the national
prospective industry developments.
and state level have been presented in trend terms. However, employment
data at the regional level are in original, 12 month or 4 quarter average terms. • DEEWR Higher Education Statistics
The terms ‘regional’, ‘non-metropolitan’ and ‘outside the state capital cities’
have been used interchangeably throughout the publication. This is comprised
Graduate Careers Australia
of the Balance of New South Wales, the Balance of Victoria, the Balance of • GradStats, various issues
Queensland, the Balance of South Australia, the Balance of Western Australia, • Grad Careers & Dollars
the Balance of Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital
Territory. Boundaries are based on the 2006 Australian Standard Geographic National Centre for Vocational Education
Classification (ASGC) (Cat. no. 1216.0). In simple terms, in this publication, all
of the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory as well as any
Research (NCVER)
• Student Outcomes
other area outside the state capital cities is considered to be a regional area.
• Apprentices and Trainees Collection
• ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2006
• Miscellaneous statistics from the NCVER website
• ABS Education and Work (Cat. no. 6227.0)
Educational attainment data from the 2010 Survey of Education and Work
is only available at the state and national level. For regional areas, data from
the 2006 Census are the only available source of data on educational
For more information see www.joboutlook.gov.au AUSTRALIAN JOBS 2011 43

44. ISSN 1832-7230