`Work where the jobs are' - Courier Mail, Brisbane
Change aplenty in work options
Much has altered in the jobs market this decade, Melanie Burgess writes.
School leavers and career changers should not rely only on the advice of parents and grandparents, as a lot has changed in the job market in the past 10 years.
Opportunities in health, education, childcare and trades are easier to find now than a decade ago.
Meanwhile, sales, civil engineering, accountancy and legal job openings are not as plentiful as they previously were.
The Jobs Department's Vacancy Report reveals there were 1726 more available roles for registered nurses in December, 2018, than in December, 2008 - the largest increase of any occupation. Other roles with opportunities are education aides (1199 more vacancies), child carers (855) and motor mechanics (755).
Group training organisation WPC Group has about 60 automotive apprenticeships ready to be filled right now. General manager Andrew Sezonov says the shortage of applicants is partly caused by misconceptions about vocational education.
"People often equate apprenticeships and traineeships with poor pay and menial work," he says.
"The reality is, 21st century apprenticeships and traineeships are much more technologically advanced and geared towards developing STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) skills.
"(They) provide young people with the opportunity to develop skills, earn while they learn, and gain a nationally-recognised qualification that will accelerate their career.
"Employing an apprentice or trainee allows employers to combat a potential skills gap by developing a talent pipeline for their business, while also helping to address youth unemployment."
In December, 2018, there were 2467 vacancies for motor mechanics across Australia - 310 more than just 12 months earlier. Motor mechanics recorded the fourth largest year-on year increase, behind only registered nurses (517 more vacancies), general clerks (413) and information and communication technology business and systems analysts (377).
The Hays Jobs Report predicts strong demand for registered nurses through the first half of 2019, particularly in aged care and management.
Despite the increasing number of job openings for certain occupations, other jobs that may have been recommended a decade ago now have fewer opportunities available. From 2008 to 2018, vacancies decreased for general sales assistants (down 4962), miscellaneous labourers (4722), civil engineers (4466), accountants (4178), and sales representatives (3141).
Be inspired: Q&A
Niven Tsing, light vehicle mechanic apprentice, Porsche
What's the best thing about your job?
I don't particularly enjoy sitting in an office all day, I like standing up and moving around, which I get to do in this job. It's better for my health. The other thing is working for Porsche, you get to see and work on these fast and expensive cars - that's a plus! Being a mechanic is good because I can use this knowledge on my own car for my hobby.
What are your qualifications?
Bachelor of Science and Master of Management in Marketing. Now I'm a third-year light vehicle mechanic apprentice. I haven't always been very sure about what I want to do. While I was doing my masters, I got hooked into cars, and I prioritise passion and doing what I enjoy the most.
You won an Apprentice High Achiever Award?
It was a trip to Germany for four-and-a-half weeks. I mainly stayed at the (Porsche) factory so I got to see how the cars were made and the development with all the new technology they are using.
I also went to the museum, so I got to learn a lot about the history of the brand. I got to drive on the autobahn with no speed limit. I also went on to Nurburgring, which is one of the world's most famous tracks.
What are your goals?
I will try to work my way up and become a classics mechanic, working on Porsche's classic cars.
They are a very different type of car and they are very expensive as well, so they require extra training.
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