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  4. The Changing Australian Job Market: New South Wales
Published 1 Jun 2018

The Changing Australian Job Market: New South Wales

Claudia Reiners

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According to the Australian Government’s Department of Employment, New South Wales is the largest employing state, holding close to one third of all Australian workers.

The Australian Jobs Report is an annual publication that reflects the changes in the Australian Labour Market; providing some great information around industries, regions and career paths that are booming in Australia.

Sometimes it’s not about what you do, it’s about where you look, and this article can help you make the best decision for your future career if you live or are planning to live in New South Wales.

Type of Workforce

Workforce Qualification

New South Wales has experienced a very stable employment market in recent years, above the national average with 3,920,600 employed at November 2017, and a projected growth of 8.4% over the five years to May 2022.

The state is also the highest regional employer across the nation.

When it comes to education, 69% of workers in NSW have post-school qualifications, compared to the national average of 67%. This supports the notion of NSW holding the title for highest qualified workforce in Australia.

In New South Wales, most jobs can be found in:


  • Sydney
  • Illawarra
  • Capital Region
  • Newcastle
  • Macquarie Lake
  • Richmond
  • Hunter Valley

Largest Employing Industries in NSW

In New South Wales, the top five employing industries are:


Health Care & Social Assistance - 13%
Retail - 10%
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services - 9%
Construction - 9%
Education & Training - 8%

Health Care and Social Assistance is the largest employing industry with 518,500, followed by Construction (31.3% increase) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (20.9% increase).

NSW Industry Breakdown

Health Care & Social Assistance


Top 5 Occupations

  • Registered Nurses
  • Aged & Disability Carers
  • Child Carers
  • Receptionists
  • Nursing Support & Personal Care Workers

518,0
Employed

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Retail Trade

Top 5 Occupations

  • General Sales Assistants
  • Retail Managers
  • Checkout Operators & Office Cashiers
  • Shelf Fillers
  • Pharmacy Sales Assistants

392,0
Employed
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Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

Top 5 Occupations

  • Police
  • General Clerks
  • Security Officers & Guards
  • Contract, Program & Project Administrators
  • Inspectors & Regulatory Officers

371,0
Employed
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Construction

Top 5 Occupations

  • Carpenters & Joiners
  • Electricians
  • Construction Managers
  • Plumbers
  • Painting Trades Workers

366,0
Employed
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Education & Training

Top 5 Occupations

  • Primary School Teachers
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Education Aides
  • University Lecturers & Tutors
  • Private Tutors & Teachers

325,000
Employed
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12,0

Circumstances surrounding youth employment in NSW have improved over the year, with the number of employed rising by 12,600 (or 2.2%).




10.0%

The state’s youth unemployment rate has also dropped, declining by 0.9% to 10.8%

Youth Employment Share

Overall, the short-term outlook for the New South Wales economy according to the Australian Jobs Report 2018 is reasonably positive. There is an expected 1.75% employment growth in 2018-19, while the unemployment rate is forecast to average 4.75% during this timeframe.

From these figures, it is clear that there is no sign of these top five industry areas slowing down. So, if your interests lie in any of the above, browse our courses today and explore your options.

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Browse Results in New South Wales

Courses found:
Top Result

Bachelor of Cyber Security (VIC, NSW, QLD and WA Only) CRS1401441

The Bachelor of Cyber Security offered by AIBI Higher Education is a technical course designed to prepare students for entry-level roles leading to an exciting career in Cyber Security. Students will first learn the foundations of information technolog...

The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method In-class
Location Brisbane Queensland +3
Job Outcomes Entry-level Cybersecurity An... +4
The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course

Diploma of Youth Work CHC50421

Pursue a Future in Youth Work with the CHC50421 Diploma of Youth Work! Dream of a fulfilling career that truly makes a difference? Dive into the CHC50421 Diploma of Youth Work and position yourself at the forefront of community betterment. With the Aus...

Hader Institute of Education Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location New South Wales +6
Job Outcomes Community Development Manage... +6
Hader Institute of Education Pty Ltd -  Course

Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)

The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...

The Australian College of Physical Education -  Course
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Exercise scientist +4
The Australian College of Physical Education -  Course

Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)

The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational, business, and organisational...

The Australian College of Physical Education -  Course
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance artist (company dancer... +9
The Australian College of Physical Education -  Course

Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)

The Bachelor of Dance Education is a unique specialist professional qualification and is Australia’s first–being delivered through ACPE! Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowledge and ski...

The Australian College of Physical Education -  Course
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance teacher (secondary sch... +4
The Australian College of Physical Education -  Course

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