Employment in Australia …..doom and gloom ….. or time to move?

by Richard , updated on November 3, 2020

ANZ, Qantas, Westpac, Australian Airlines, Alcoa, Billabong, Toyota, Pacific Brands, Macquarie Bank, Holden. The recent list of companies shedding jobs, under threat, or closing down seems endless and could easily be viewed as symptomatic of the ill health of the Australian economy.

Should we all now be fearful and anxious about the loss of our jobs or is there more to this picture of doom and gloom that the media and some commentators is busily painting?

Most importantly, what action can or should we take to secure our future employment?

Firstly, let’s take a closer look at the nature of these companies that have experienced substantial job loss. There is a long term downward trend within the Manufacturing industry (Toyota, Holden and Pacific brands) that represents a fundamental shift in Australia’s economic structure rather than a declining economy. The reasons for company closure (Australian Airlines, Billabong) are often complex and may have little to do with overall economic health. It has also recently been asserted that the much publicised job cuts amongst Australia’s banking sector is reflective of a drive to maintain profit levels that are unsustainable in today’s market and that the job cuts risk longer term profitability.

But do these job losses truly reflect the state of Australia’s economy? There is no doubt that certain sectors are doing it tough however the release of January employment statistics from the ABS, indicates a fall in Australia’s unemployment rate resulting from significant jobs growth. The recent Smart Company Blog Post includes data from the Employment Minister Bill Shorten that health services, micro businesses (especially online based), the service sector and businesses well placed to tap into consumer spending pattern changes are leading the employment charge. Several examples of large scale hires in construction and IT were quoted and mention made of Wesfarmers plans to boost its workforce in 2012.

Following the GFC, jobs growth has been strong. All states have experienced jobs growth. The highest percentage growth has been in WA, NT and QLD however the largest numbers of new jobs have occurred in NSW, VIC and QLD.

It’s important to remember as well that bad news sells papers and increases TV ratings, so there is a disproportionate amount of the gloom reported rather than the boom. We are well advised to take a wider and longer view as well if we are to secure our employment future.

Where will most jobs growth be over the longer term? Well most new jobs will be in a small number of industries. In fact almost 50% will be in Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction and Professional Scientific and Technical Services (specifically Architectural, Engineering and Technical Services, Legal and Accounting).  However all industries (other than Manufacturing) will still experience growth.

It’s vital to appreciate too that the job market and the nature of employment has changed dramatically. Importantly:

–  Technological change, labour market flexibility and economic reform have seen far fewer people in long term full-time employment

–  Part time and casual employment has become the norm for many

–  Alternatively many older workers are now self-employed or are contracting out their services.

So how can you prepare for possible job uncertainty in the future? There are a number of things that can be done.

1. People leaving school now can expect to have at least 9 different careers in their lifetime. It is vital that you also acknowledge and embrace substantial career change as part of your working life.

2. Incorporate flexibility into the structure of your work. You may need to work 2 or 3 part time jobs or look at short term jobs or volunteer work as a way to break into an industry.

3. You may need to be quite entrepreneurial in your approach. Consider getting an ABN and contract yourself out. Karalyn’s interview with a leading entrepreneur provides some useful insights.

4. Research where the jobs are and be prepared to move. There are good job opportunities in Regional Australia with significant job opportunities for skilled workers. The government offers training assistance and provides useful facts and figures about regional job markets.

5. Much growth will be in skilled areas. Look at reskilling yourself with further education. The pace of change both within an industry and in the broader job market means people that constantly update their skills will be the most in demand. There are useful resources available to identify what skilled occupations have shortages.

Finally can I suggest that you read Australian Jobs 2011 as it provides an invaluable resource for those who wish to be well informed about the Australian job markets. Jobs growth for the past 5 years is examined and most importantly it provides a detailed analysis of the future potential of Australia’s 19 industry groupings and regional employment areas. You will also find valuable information regarding training and education.

Job Outlook is also an indispensable tool for facts figures and forecasts of industry and occupation specific jobs growth.

 

 

 

 

Richard

Did this article stand out from the crowd? If yes, please retweet, post it on Facebook or LinkedIn, and /or email it so it can help others. I'd also love to know YOUR take. Please feel free to comment below.

{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

Undercover Recruiter (@UndercoverRec) (@UndercoverRec) February 28, 2012 at 12:07 am

New @InterviewIQ Employment in Australia …..doom and gloom ….. or time to move? http://t.co/3vsDimOr

Paulo Melo February 29, 2012 at 7:18 pm

Hi!
I’am a geotechical laboratory technician with 16 years experience in road construction control, aggregates…, soils…,bituminous mixtures and concrete…experience.
Could I have a chance to find a job in this area in Autralia? By the way I’am 39 years old.

karalyn March 4, 2012 at 1:36 pm

Hi Paulo,

I sent you an email directly – you would be best looking at the skills requirements from our department of immigration’s website.

Most people when they immigrate enlist the help of an agent as well.

Karalyn

Robyn kieseker March 4, 2012 at 10:32 pm

the thing I find really funny is that those putting off people like the banks, governments, qantas, are still recruiting for graduates. Go figure.

The problem I have is being over 40, completing my mhrm, and having problems getting any interviews because of age, gpa. Any ideas?

karalyn March 4, 2012 at 11:31 pm

Hi Robyn, Yes that is interesting. You will find that they are “offshoring” a lot of the back office/processing type roles in many cases. So graduate roles fill a different need. There are many things we see “older” job seekers do that could be improved. But there is discrimination as well. I will ask Richard to respond to your question with a blog post. Thanks for contacting us.

Joey (@honeyhype) March 6, 2012 at 5:49 pm

Employment in Australia …..doom and gloom ….. or time to move? http://t.co/fDqnvsMb

Gail Kasper March 7, 2012 at 2:05 pm

This is great information, Richard – thank you so much for sharing your tips! Job uncertainty is nerve-wracking, but it’s important to remember in any situation where we fall off track (ie. loss of employment), we must get back on track. Immobilization can evaporate a dream. Through a summation of all steps and utilizing the ability to get logical versus emotional, this plan will help anyone take the steps to escape crisis. This all can be accomplished through my book, Unstoppable: 6 Easy Steps To Achieve Your Goals.

Gail Kasper, Motivational Speaker and Author
Unstoppable: 6 Easy Steps To Achieve Your Goals

Liz Macri (@Liz_Macri) March 15, 2012 at 2:50 pm

Employment in Australia …..doom and gloom ….. or time to move? http://t.co/mD53XMB4

Chandradeep Khalate October 1, 2012 at 8:21 am

Hello,

I am a Systems Administrator with 6 Yrs Experience. My Primary Skill is Windows Active Directory. What are the chances of me scoring a job in Australia and which States are most suitable for me.

Thanks
CHandradeep

karalyn October 4, 2012 at 2:17 pm

Hi Chandrakeep, That’s a really broad question. Can I suggest you take a look at this as a starting point. http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/sol/ Karalyn

Maree February 21, 2013 at 10:39 pm

The majority of job seekers are seeking a full time, permanent job, not part time, casual or temporary. They do not want the nuisance of working 3 jobs, in 3 different locations, to make up their forty hours.
I am Australian, and have been fortunate enough to receive Social Security benefits for the last four years, albeit I have been unemployed for 17 years. The government fudges the unemployment figures, by counting someone who has a whole four hour of paid work as being employed, and thee are so many people who stop bothering to look for work after receiving dozens of knock backs, and who get sick of all the compliance rules they have to follow to keep getting benefits.
For someone old, disabled and long term unemployed, or any one of those three, the unemployment situation in Australia is as bad as it was 10 years ago

ashraf September 8, 2013 at 6:06 pm

I’m technical Marble and decorative work in the marble Corian industrial and natural designing marble, Arkph, a great experience I would like the opportunity to work in Australia Mobile 00201000408854 name Shawky

Fernando October 28, 2013 at 7:34 pm

Hey, Im studying management in one of the best universities here in Brazil, I ve done exchange for 6 months in Italy and 1 month in Zeland, but I want to leave all I have here to live in and work in Australia. I have some exeperiences as a bartender, notions of programming, and Im a climber.Do you think would be easy,or at least possible, to get a visa and stay working in australia??
Thank you

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