Some skills are in high demand in South Australia.
The state’s mining and defence industries, for instance, are growing with big projects creating jobs for people with the right skills. Steady growth in the mining and defence sectors continues. South Australia also has a range of other major projects under way, including the new port on Spencer Gulf, duplication of the Southern Expressway, renewable energy projects including new wind farms, and urban development projects, and construction of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. These developments offer opportunities for people with the right skills.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills will undoubtedly make you attractive to South Australian employers – now and in the future. STEM skills are essential in many jobs. For example, nurses, medical professionals, engineers, surveyors, builders, ICT professionals and others all need STEM skills.
The fact is there are already shortages of workers among certain industry sectors in the state, and they need people with STEM skills, including:
- agricultural and forestry scientists
- architectural, building and surveying technicians
- chemists and food and wine scientists
- database and systems administrators
- electrical engineers
- electricians
- environmental scientists
- ICT business and systems analysts
- metal casting, forging and finishing trade workers
- mining engineers
- software and applications programmers
- telecommunications trades workers
- toolmakers and engineering patternmakers.
Look out for STEM courses and a potential pathway into a secure and well-paid job.
Women and STEM in South Australia
Read the recent report on women studying and working in STEM fields in South Australia.
Shape your future
Some industries are growing in South Australia and offer good opportunities for skilled people.
Employment opportunities over the next 5 years
Employment opportunities occur across all industries due to growth, the need to replace workers who retire or change jobs, or a combination of both.
The following areas are expected to experience the strongest employment opportunities over the next five years.
Business and Administration
Due to its overall size, the Business and Financial Services sector is expected to have numerous opportunities.
Jobs in this sector include:
- Managers - both general and specialist such as Human Resource Managers and Advertising Managers
- Professionals – such as Human Resource and Legal Professionals
- Support staff – such as Administration Staff
Skilled job openings in this sector are strongest for the following occupations:
- Human Resource and other specialised managers
- Human resource Professionals
Retail, including Wholesale
Job opportunities in Retail are due to the large size of this sector, as well as high job turnover.
Jobs in this sector include
- Importers, Exporters and Wholesalers
- Professionals – such as Technical Sales Representatives
- Support staff – such as Buyers, Telemarketers, Salespersons and Shelf Fillers
- Also includes Florists
Skilled job openings in this sector are strongest for the following occupation:
- Technical Sales Representatives
Building Construction, including Furniture Construction
Job opportunities in this sector will be largely dependent on public and private investment in new construction projects. Current low interest rates should encourage this type of investment, in particular, new housing projects
Jobs in this sector include:
- Construction Managers
- Professionals such as Architects and Surveyors
- Tradepersons such as Bricklayers, Carpenters, Plumbers and Electricians
- Labourers and Machine Operators
Skilled job openings in this sector are strongest for the following occupations:
- Construction Managers
- Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
- Trades – such as Painters, Plasterers, Plumbers and Electricians
Health
Employment opportunities in the Health sector will be from new jobs created as a result of increased demand for Health services as our population continues to age. Employment opportunities will also come from job openings created by the Health sector’s relatively older workforce reaching retirement age at a faster rate than the rest of the state.
Jobs in this sector include
- Medical professionals
- Allied Health Professionals
- Nurse Managers and Registered Nurses
- Support staff – such as Paramedics, Dental Assistants and Enrolled Nurses
Skilled job openings in this sector are strongest for the following occupations:
- Generalist Medical Practitioners
- Medical Imaging Professionals
- Pharmacists
- Nurses - registered, enrolled and mother craft
- Psychologists
- Medical Technicians
Employment growth over the last 5 years
From 2008 there has been strong employment growth in a number of industries and occupations in South Australia.
Some examples of skilled occupations with strong employment growth are:
Business and Administration
- Solicitors; Barristers; and Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals
Health
- Psychologists; Health and Welfare Services Managers; Surgeons; Anaesthetists; Podiatrists; Dieticians
Education and Training
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers; and Middle School Teachers
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
- ICT Sales Professionals; and ICT Support and Test Engineers
Agriculture and Aquiculture
- Agricultural and Forestry Scientists; and Primary Products Inspectors
Conservation and Land Management
Metals and Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians; and Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians