Page Text: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
This is a small industry and many jobs are in Agriculture. Many workers live in regional Australia and around half are Farmers and Farm Managers. Seasonal work is common, providing short-term opportunities for workers of all ages. Many skills are learned on-the-job and around half of workers do not have post-school qualifications. The number of workers with a university degree has been growing.
Mining
Mining is a small but important industry. Mining covers the exploration and extraction of minerals, oil and gas. Jobs are mainly in Queensland and Western Australia and are in regional areas like Gladstone and the Pilbara, but can also be in very remote locations. To work in Mining you generally need to study after high school, with VET a good option. Some jobs vital to the Mining industry, like Mining Engineer or Geologist, need a university degree.
Manufacturing
This is the sixth largest industry in Australia. It covers manufacturing of food and beverages, petroleum and coal, polymer products, machinery, furniture and more. Many workers in this industry are male and employed full-time, but part-time employment is becoming more common. There are a broad range of jobs in this industry. Many need a VET qualification and an apprenticeship is a common pathway. There are also many lower skilled jobs.
Electricity, Gas, Water, Waste Services
This is the smallest industry in Australia. It covers electricity supply, generation, transmission and distribution, gas supply, water supply as well as sewerage and waste disposal. The workforce is highly skilled, and VET is the main training pathway. Many of the workers are male and part-time work is rare.
Construction
Construction is a large employing industry. Trades workers are vital to Construction, with apprenticeships and traineeships the main entry pathway. Jobs in Construction can be physically demanding, like bricklaying, meaning that many people leave the industry when they are older. This opens opportunities for young people, and the training and experience can lead to management jobs. Many of the workers are male and part-time jobs are rare.
Wholesale Trade
Wholesalers don't usually have a shop front to sell their items; they are the middle step between producers and retailers. Wholesale jobs are generally in capital cities and most are full-time. There are good entry level opportunities that do not require study after high school.
Retail Trade
This is the second largest industry in Australia, with over 1.2 million people. There are jobs throughout Australia in a variety of stores. Part-time work is common and many workers do not have post-school qualifications. Part-time work is common and weekend work makes this industry a good option for workers who would like to combine work and study, or work and caring responsibilities.
Accommodation and Food Services
This industry employs around seven percent (7%) of Australia's workforce and provides good entry-level jobs. Most jobs are in hotels, motels, cafes, restaurants, take-away shops, bars and pubs. Part-time employment is common, making it an attractive option for young people who want to combine work and study.
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
This industry includes the movement of people and goods by road, rail or air. Postal and courier services, warehousing and storage are also included. Many workers are male and are employed full-time. There are opportunities for lower skilled workers, with almost half of all workers not completing post-school education. The industry offers apprenticeships and traineeships.
Information Media and Telecommunications
This small industry covers newspapers, books, software and online media, as well as radio and TV broadcasting, internet publishing and broadcasting, internet service providers, telecommunication services and libraries. Many jobs are located in New South Wales. Nearly half of the workers have a university degree, and a third have a VET qualification.
Financial and Insurance Services
This industry includes banking, insurance and superannuation funds, as well as financial brokering services. Most jobs are in Sydney and Melbourne. There are fewer young people than in other industries, and part-time time work is uncommon. Many workers in this industry have a university degree. The largest occupation, Bank Workers, doesn't require a degree and may provide a pathway into the industry.
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
Rental and Hiring includes all car hiring, farm animal and bloodstock leasing, and leasing of other goods like video games and heavy machinery. Real Estate Services includes the selling or renting of property, the management of rental properties, and property valuations. This is a small industry and around half of the workforce is female. There are job opportunities across all education levels.
Professional, Scientific, Technical Services
This is a large industry, with over one million workers. It covers a range of activities, like legal and accounting services, veterinary services and computer system design. Many of these services support other industries. The workforce is highly skilled and workers usually have a university degree. Most jobs are full-time and are located in capital cities. There are fewer young workers in this industry because of the extra education required.
Administrative and Support Services
This small industry covers many services like office administration, debt collection, call centres, travel agencies, building cleaning, pest control and gardening services. There are good part-time employment opportunities, and many of the jobs do not need post-school qualifications. Jobs like cleaning and gardening can be physically demanding.
Public Administration and Safety
This industry includes federal, state and local government administration, the defence force, and services like the police force that enforce rules and public order. As this industry has an older workforce, there may be job opportunities as workers retire. Most workers have either a VET or university degree. Part-time employment is rare and some jobs are male dominated.
Education and Training
This is a fast growing, large employing industry. It includes teaching across all levels of schools, as well as University Lecturers and Tutors. There are jobs across Australia. Most jobs need a university degree, but there are lower skilled jobs like Teacher's Aide that can provide a pathway. The older age profile suggests there could be opportunities as workers retire.
Health Care and Social Assistance
This is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry, employing over 1.5 million people. It covers health services like hospitals, GPs, dental and ambulance services, as well as services like child care and aged care. Many workers are female and part-time work is common. Education is important if you want to work in this industry. Jobs like nurses and doctors need a university degree, while child carers and aged care workers need VET qualifications.
Arts and Recreation Services
Arts and Recreation Services is a small but diverse industry that includes museums, zoos, parks, botanical gardens, creative and performing arts, professional and recreational sports, amusement centres and casinos. More than half of workers have post-school qualifications. This industry includes both professional sportspersons and creative artists who have many years of training in their respective fields, as well as many people in administrative, support and management roles.
Other Services
This diverse industry includes personal services like laundry, hairdressers and day spas; funeral and religious services; car repair and maintenance (like spray painting) and other machinery repair services. There are opportunities for young people and jobs tend to be full-time. Many jobs in this industry, like hairdressers and motor mechanics, need an apprenticeship or traineeship.
ALL Industries
Employment prospects
Employment prospects can change over time and vary by region. Consider your personal interests and skills as well as job tasks, pay and conditions.
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