Australia Job Summary from the Government 2011

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