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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 Health Science (Chinese Medicine)

Chinese medicine is a whole medical system that seeks to balance the functions of the body, mind and spirit and restore health. It combines theory (philosophies and principles) and practices including acupuncture, moxibustion, medical Qi Gong, Chinese...

Endeavour College of Natural Health -  Course
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +5
Job Outcomes Acupuncturist +2
Endeavour College of Natural Health -  Course

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) CHC33021

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) is a nationally recognised entry-level qualification for those looking to start a rewarding career in the care sector. You’ll gain the skills to provide person-centred support...

D P Training Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Australian Capital Territory +7
Job Outcomes Accommodation Support Worker +8
D P Training Pty Ltd -  Course

Bachelor of Business – AI Management CRS1400675

The Bachelor of Business equips students with contemporary business knowledge, analytical skills, and practical capabilities to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. This program offers students the flexibility to specialise in one of three hig...

The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method In-class
Location New South Wales
Job Outcomes Accountant +1
The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course

Master of Business Administration (Digital Transformation) CRS1401722

The MBA (Digital Transformation) is designed for professionals and business leaders who aim to drive and manage change in the digital age. This program equips students with the strategic, technological, and leadership skills necessary to navigate the c...

The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Australian Capital Territory +5
Job Outcomes Chief Digital Officer –... +4
The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course

Graduate Certificate of Business Administration CRS1401727

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at AIBI Higher Education is designed for professionals looking to strengthen their leadership, strategic thinking, and digital business acumen. This program equips students with the critical...

The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method In-class, Online
Location New South Wales +3
Job Outcomes Accountant +1
The Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Pty Ltd -  Course

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