Whether you’re looking to change careers or are choosing your first job, it’s important to know if it’s an in-demand occupation. After all, you wouldn’t want to dedicate your time and financial resources to developing skills for a job that lacks employment opportunities or potential for professional growth.

A recent analysis reveals that the most in-demand occupations include care economy roles, such as Aged & Disabled Care Workers (98.0%) and Allied Health Workers (83.9%), which have almost doubled over the past decade. Early Childhood & Child Care (52.5%) and Nurses & Midwives (29.0%) have also seen substantial growth.

Meanwhile, some occupational groups have seen sharp declines in workers. The number of Executive Assistants fell by more than 20% to 82,300 over the past decade, driven by the automation of administrative functions via smartphones and apps. Similarly, as fewer books, newspapers, and magazines have been produced, Print Manufacturing Workers have been in steady decline. Travel Agents have been impacted by the growth of online travel websites, with almost a 35% decline.

In this blog, we explore which careers and courses offer the most promising job prospects. So, let’s take a look at the most in-demand occupations in Australia right now.

1. Aged Care and Disability

The demand for care economy occupations, such as aged care and disability services, reflects Australia’s changing demographics, including an ageing population that is rapidly expanding the need for aged care and related health services. As a result, the Australian government has invested heavily in aged care and disability support to meet expected future demand.

There are various career opportunities in the aged care and disability sector across many organisations.

Personal Care Workers

Personal care workers provide the necessary support to older Australians and those with disability support needs, assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and shopping.

Nursing Positions

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Enrolled Nurses (Ens) are in high demand in aged care, responsible for administering medicines, monitoring health, and coordinating care plans.

Allied Health Professionals

Many allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers, are crucial to providing holistic care in the aged care and disability sector.

Administrative & Management

There are also in-demand occupations in the management, human resources and administrative sectors within the aged care and disability industries, with a focus on operational efficiency and quality care.

 

Professional development skills for aged care and disability support include gaining an understanding of:  

• Individual care plans
• Aged Care website
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
• Wellness, rehabilitation, and restorative care approaches
• Home-based community-based support
• Home care packages (HCP)
• Preparation for a home visit
• Equipment, resources and documentation
• Communication and consent
• Social support
• Nursing and personal care
• Home maintenance
• Counselling
• Active observation, feedback and support
• Responding to challenging behaviours
• Complaints and grievances procedures
• Mandatory reporting and reporting requirements
• Pain management
• Confidentiality
• Developing relationships with older people
• Strategies for empowerment and decision making
• Duty of care
• Recognising abuse/neglect
• Healthy lifestyle practices
• Mobility issues
• Hygiene and grooming
• Preventing falls

If you’re considering a career in these sectors, explore our Aged Care and Disability Services professional development courses to help you find your new direction in this in-demand occupation.

 

2. Tech and IT Professionals

The information technology sector continues to grow rapidly and is arguably one of the most future-proof careers you can choose. In the past decade, the number of Tech & IT Professionals, including Software Programmers, Systems Administrators, and IT Security Specialists, has increased by 176,400, representing a 55.0% growth in the profession.

Software Programmers

These IT professionals design, write, and maintain code to build applications and systems that solve real-world problems and support business operations.

System Administrators

System Administrators manage and maintain an organisation’s IT infrastructure, ensuring servers, networks and systems are reliable and secure.

IT Security Specialists

An IT Security Specialist protects systems and data from cyber attacks through monitoring risk, implementing security controls and responding to problems and breaches.

So, if you have a passion for all things tech, use it to secure an in-demand occupation in almost any industry, from e-commerce to aerospace and everything in between.

Gain the professional development skills necessary for entry into Tech and IT through the following courses:

• Certificate of Security Management
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Introduction to Cyber Security
• Introduction to Information Security

 

3. Early Childhood & Child Care

As women’s workforce participation has risen, demand for childcare has increased by 52.5% over the last decade. As a result, childcare professionals are in demand, with clear career pathways and long-term growth opportunities.

Working in early childcare education provides the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding career supporting children’s learning, development and well-being in the early years.

 

Early Childcare Educator

This role works directly with children to support learning, development and wellbeing through play and daily routines.

Childcare Assistant

A Childcare Assistant supports Early Childcare Educators by supervising, planning, setting up activities, and performing care tasks.

Childcare Manager

An important role for the operations of childcare facilities, the Childcare Manager is responsible for overseeing staff, compliance and family engagement.

 

Professional development courses that can help you enter this in-demand occupation include programs in childcare, education, psychology, and support needs. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education and care, consider the following professional development programs for entry-level roles in this sector.

 

Certificate of Education Support – Additional Needs

Certificate of Education – Development & Play

Introduction to Baby & Toddler Care

Certificate of Child Psychology

Certificate of Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

 

4. Marketing, Advertising & PR Professionals

Marketing, Advertising and PR Professionals have enjoyed a surge in demand for their services over the past decade, with a growth rate of 40.9%. This in-demand occupation is likely a result of businesses investing more heavily in digital presence, brand visibility and customer engagement.

 

Digital Marketing Specialist

A Digital Marketing Specialist manages online campaigns across social media, search engines, and websites to increase brand awareness, engagement, and sales.

Advertising Account Manager

Advertising Account Managers act as an important connection between clients and creative teams, coordinating campaigns to meet marketing and advertising objectives.

Public Relations Officer

Professionals in public relations roles build and protect an organisation’s public image by managing media relations, communications, and reputation strategies.

 

If you’re looking to join this in-demand occupation, a professional development course can help you attain the knowledge and confidence required to gain entry-level roles in this sector.

Advanced Certificate of Marketing

Certificate of Social Media Marketing

Introduction to Marketing & Communications

Certificate of Public Relations

Advanced Certificate of Account Management & Business Development

 

5. Personal Care

Australians are increasingly prioritising their personal health and wellbeing, driving demand for personal care occupations, especially in fitness, counselling, nutrition, audiology, and speech pathology.

Over the past decade, the number of jobs in the personal care sector has increased significantly. Growth in Fitness Instructors was more than 32%, while that of Nutrition Professionals was 50%.

 

Fitness Instructors

Fitness professionals create and lead exercise programs and coach individuals or groups to improve physical fitness, strength, and overall well-being.

Counsellors

Counsellors help people manage personal, emotional, and mental health challenges through talk therapy and evidence-based strategies.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists provide advice on food and dietary choices to promote well-being, manage health conditions, and improve lifestyle outcomes.

Audiologists

Audiologists assess, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders across all age groups.

Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists help people improve communication and swallowing skills affected by developmental, medical, or neurological conditions. They often work with children and young people.

 

If you’re looking for a career in the Personal Care sector, explore our range of professional development courses in Health, Fitness & Medical and Psychology, Counselling & Mental Health.

 

6. Human Resources

Human Resources Professionals are part of the in-demand occupations, experiencing a 41.2% growth rate in the past decade. This trend results from businesses navigating more complex workplace regulations and a stronger focus on employee engagement and organisational culture.

 

HR Manager

HR Managers oversee operations, including recruitment, employee relations, and compliance, while shaping workplace culture and policies.

Recruitment Consultant

Recruitment Consultants are responsible for attracting, interviewing, and hiring the right candidates to meet an organisation’s staffing needs.

 

If you’re interested in one of these in-demand occupations, a professional development course in Human Resources & Recruitment will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to plan, manage and implement human resources policies and recruitment procedures and activities for a business or organisation.

 

7. Chefs, Cooks, Kitchen Hands & Café Workers

It’s an ideal time to pursue a career in hospitality, as lifestyle changes are driving more people to dine out or order takeaway. There has been an almost 16% growth in Food Service Occupations, including Bar Attendants, Baristas and Waiters. Similarly, occupations in Food Preparation, including Cooks, Chefs and Kitchenhands, are up 26.1%.

Chef/Cook

Chefs plan menus and prepare meals while managing food quality, kitchen operations, and hygiene standards.

Café Worker/Barista

A Café Worker/Barista prepares and serves food and beverages, makes coffee, provides customer service, and helps create a welcoming café atmosphere.

Kitchenhand

A kitchenhand is an entry-level role that supports kitchen operations by assisting with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining a safe and organised workspace.

 

Looking for a career in hospitality? If so, one of our online professional development courses in Hospitality or Cooking will help you to gain skills and industry knowledge to apply for roles in this booming industry.

When you choose an in-demand occupation, you give yourself the greatest chance of securing a career that provides security, strong prospects for advancement and the confidence that your skills will remain relevant long term. Whether you’re interested in childcare, tech, marketing, HR, personal care or hospitality, these are growth industries that will provide rewarding opportunities.

 

Can we help you find the right professional development course to pursue an in-demand occupation? Contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today on 1300 76 2221, via Live Chat, or Online for more information.