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There’s no denying it – the pandemic has caused monumental changes to our economy and to the Australian job market.

While some sectors in the market suffered, others surged. So, what does this mean for job growth in Australia? What are the most in-demand jobs in Australia now? And what skills will be valued by employers in the future?

What jobs are in demand now?

What are the fastest-growing jobs in Australia right now, and why is there demand for these roles?

Mental Health Workers

Recently, there’s been a heavy focus on the need for us to look after mental wellbeing. A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that there had been an increase in the need for mental health services, with a 15% increase in the number of services delivered during 2020 compared to the same report period in 2019.

It’s no surprise, then, that Mental Health Worker was one of the top-listed jobs on LinkedIn’s ‘Jobs on the Rise’ report.

Mental health covers a large sector of the health industry, and for those that are looking to follow a career in mental health, there are plenty of options.

Aged and Disabled Support Workers

The healthcare sector in Australia was expanding rapidly even before a global pandemic disrupted our idea of normal. With an ageing population that is living longer and an increased need for disability services, there is more demand than ever for trained professionals in aged and disabled care.

In fact, Seek lists Aged and Disabled Carer as the third most in-demand job in Australia.

As a support worker in aged care or disabled care, your job can be highly rewarding and fulfilling, though it will come with its challenges. However, professionals who work in the industry often find that the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Data Scientists

Data Scientists are in high demand in the digital age. Their unique skills can be used to help to drive innovation and change, inform decisions and increase productivity. So it’s little wonder why Data Scientist is one of the most in-demand jobs in Australia.

According to Deloitte, it’s predicted that the size of the data science workforce in Australia will grow by 2.4% per annum in the next few years – as opposed to the rest of the workforce, which is expected to grow by 1.5%.

In part, this is driven by the sheer quantity of data that’s being produced and the need to analyse it to drive better results. And we’re not just talking about using data for marketing purposes or to increase a business’s sales, though these aspects are important for the health of the economy. Big data can also be used to supercharge positive changes and can even be used to save lives.

Cyber Security Analysts

Cyber security is one of the most in-demand industries in the world. According to the ABC, the cyber security industry in Australia has grown by more than 4000 employees every year since 2017. And it shows no sign of slowing down.

Like the healthcare industry, cyber security was already a growing area even before the pandemic. An increase in cyber attacks and a spreading awareness of cyber security primarily drove demand for Cyber Security Professionals; but now, with more people working remotely, there’s an even greater focus on the need for data security as well as mobility.

If you’re analytically minded, love problem solving and are fascinated by the world of technology, then a career in cyber security could be the right choice for you.

Early Childhood Educators

As part of LinkedIn’s ‘Jobs on the Rise’ report, Early Childhood Educators were listed among the most in-demand jobs in Australia.

Early Childhood Educators specialise in preparing young children for primary school and teach them basic maths and literacy skills, as well as helping them develop emotionally and socially.

This sector is growing rapidly, and according to LinkedIn’s report, there will be around 49,100 people employed in early childhood education by 2024. You can get your foot in the door now by studying the CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which can also act as a pathway into university where you can continue your studies.

Social Media Marketers

In the digital age, businesses need to be more inventive and more creative when it comes to reaching their target audience. Whether we’re talking about a massive global corporation like Netflix, a beloved Aussie brand like Messina, or a small business like Manly’s own Oz Squad, these businesses all have one thing in common: they have a successful social media marketing strategy.

Social media is a powerful marketing tool. So businesses need to make sure they’re doing it right. This means that there’s demand for qualified professionals who are social media marketing specialists and expert content creators.

According to LinkedIn’s ‘Jobs on the Rise’ report, Social Media Marketers, SEO Specialists and Content Designers will be roles to watch.

What skills will employers be looking for in the future?

What are the skills employers will be looking for in job candidates? And how can you plan today for the job market of tomorrow?

There are a few key skills that employers value today, and will remain valuable in the future as the job market evolves.

Make your resume shine with these skills of the future employers are looking for.

Digital literacy – in the modern-day, it’s expected that all employees will have digital literacy. You don’t need to be an expert in artificial intelligence, but you do need a basic understanding of how to use technology in a business setting to communicate, collaborate and create.

Growth mindset – this concept is about being able to accept that you’re always learning and that improvement comes through time and effort. In some cases, the process of a project is just as important as the outcome. And in a world where even our idea of ‘normal’ is constantly changing, you need to make sure you’re prepared to learn and grow.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) – some people may think that as we begin to cross into a new frontier of remote working that EQ isn’t as prized as it once was – but they’d be wrong. In fact, dealing with people and understanding how best to handle a situation even when you’re not in the same room as someone else takes skill.

Customer service – do you think about the work you do in relation to how it will be received by the customer? Even if your role doesn’t directly relate to sales, there is a greater focus now on customer experience, hence the rise in specialised fields such as User Experience.

Creativity – coming up with new solutions to problems and thinking outside the box are skills highly valued by employers. Why? Because creative thinking drives innovation, which can help businesses gain an edge over their less creative competitors. When the pandemic hit, many businesses were forced to find creative solutions so that they could continue operating.

How to future-proof your career

Preparing yourself for the future job market doesn’t necessarily mean you need to learn a completely new set of skills. There is a lot of value in transferrable skills. So even if the industry you work in now is seeing a downturn, that doesn’t mean you can’t transfer your skillset into a different industry. Switching careers at any time in your life can be daunting, but that’s not to say it can’t be done.

In some cases, it may be a matter of obtaining the right kind of VET qualification to get you started in a new role in a different industry.

OC offers a huge range of online VET courses across a number of portfolios that can help you reskill or upskill for the future job market.

We offer online courses in business, health, technology, childhood education and more. You can check out the full range of our courses online, or you can start a 7 day free trial today to see what it’s like to study online.