Viw Magazine

Business Coach

  • Written by Lisa Denny, Research Fellow - Institute for the Study of Social Change, University of Tasmania
Careers in health care, education and design are unlikely to be automated. www.shutterstock.com

Sensationalist claims that 40% of jobs in Australia won’t exist in the future are unhelpful for young Australians thinking about entering the workforce. The reality is some jobs will no longer exist, new jobs will be created and most jobs will undergo some form of transformation. The skills we need for work are changing, but young Australians can plan for these changes.

Fears of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) wiping out future work are well founded – new technology is changing the way we work. But as the current workforce grows up alongside an ageing population, future generations will have many job opportunities, if they acquire the right skills.

Jobs of the future

The prospect of having a single occupation for life is becoming increasingly unlikely. Today’s 15 year-olds are likely to have 17 changes in employers across five different careers. And for three in five young Australians with a post-school qualification (such as a degree or vocational qualification), less than half are able to secure more than 35 hours of work per week.

When considering which career path to follow, young Australians should be mindful that the jobs at risk are those which have high levels of routine, and repeatable and predictable processes requiring precision. These include administrative and clerical jobs, such as working as a receptionist or data entry clerk. Automation or AI will replace these jobs, if it hasn’t already.


Read more: Three things high school graduates should keep in mind when they have their ATARs


Non-routine jobs which need human problem-solving, creativity, adaptability, flexibility, physical dexterity, and communication skills will be the jobs of the future. So will jobs requiring physical proximity and interpersonal skills. Examples include engineering, design, construction, education, health services and care work.

The economy is undergoing an industry restructuring in response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is the name given to a combination of technological mega-trends happening all at the same time (for example, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, digital disruption and so on). Significant economic, demographic and social shifts are happening at the same time.

As this change happens, the prospect of polarisation of the workforce is a looming concern for young people. “Polarisation” is the hollowing out of the labour market: a decline in the share of mid-level skilled jobs considered “entry level” for young Australians. This will mean reduced opportunities for young people to enter the workforce, and limited opportunities for upward career progression from lower-skilled jobs.

Which industries show growth?

The Australian economy has shifted from one which produces goods to one which services people. Almost 80% of the workforce is employed in the services industries.

The Department of Jobs and Small Business projects that over the five years to May 2023, employment will increase in 17 of the 19 broad industry sectors in Australia. And it will decline in two: agriculture, forestry and fishing; and wholesale trade.

Almost two-thirds of employment growth is projected to be in four sectors: health care and social assistance; construction; education and training; and professional, scientific and technical services. Jobs will exist for people with the skills to fill those jobs.

New jobs are projected to be created across a range of occupations. Aged and disabled care, registered nursing, child care, software and applications programming, and waiting are the top five areas of growth.

But employment in five broad occupation groups is also projected to decline: personal assistants and secretaries, office managers and program administrators, machine and stationary plant operators, farmers and farm managers, and clerical and office support workers are likely to be replaced by automation or AI.

Skills young people can learn now

Achieving a university degree no longer automatically means a graduate will get immediate and meaningful employment. The youth unemployment rate for graduates is increasing at a greater rate than for those without a tertiary qualification. According to the Foundation for Young Australians, it now takes on average 4.7 years for a person to transition from full time education to full time employment.


Read more: Graduate employment is up, but finding a job can still take a while


Research from the Foundation for Young Australians found there are four key factors which can accelerate the transition from education to full time work:

  • an education that builds transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication and team work

  • being able to undertake relevant paid work experience

  • finding employment in a sector which is growing

  • an optimistic mindset.

Employers of technical and trade workers still place the most emphasis on job-specific skills, but across all jobs employability skills are the most important. Employers look for communication skills above all other skills, followed by organisational skills, writing, planning and detail orientation, team work and problem-solving. Young people will need to make sure they also have transferable skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking and creativity.

The NSW government challenged a group of researchers to identify what today’s kindergarteners will need to survive and thrive in the 21st century. The report says developing deep knowledge and specialist expertise over time is critical.

Employability skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking are considered generic, and are likely to also be job-specific and not necessarily transferable. For example, problem-solving skills will be very different for a mining engineer to those required by a kindergarten teacher. These “generic skills” need to be learned in context.


Read more: Hints, tips and pitfalls for graduates in getting their first job


The Australian Industry Skills Committee has also developed a practical resource that describes the mega-trends impacting Australia’s economy and society, scenarios for the future and the impact on work and skills. It may benefit parents, teachers, policy-makers and even forward-thinking teens to read about these trends.

Lisa Denny does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Authors: Lisa Denny, Research Fellow - Institute for the Study of Social Change, University of Tasmania

Read more http://theconversation.com/choosing-a-career-these-jobs-wont-go-out-of-style-111425

Important Instructions for Australians Living in Camper Trailers

Living in a camper trailer offers Australians a unique way to embrace adventure and freedom while exploring the vast and beautiful landsca...

Maintaining Your Mini Digger: Tips for Longevity and Performance

If you're a proud owner or operator of a mini digger in Australia, you understand the importance of keeping your equipment in top-notch co...

Transform Your Business To Success: The Role Of Branding Agencies In Melbourne

In the bustling city of Melbourne, where every corner tells a story of innovation and creativity, the importance of branding cannot be o...

Revealing The Timeless Appeal Of Ladies' Bodysuits

Fashion has always been a canvas for self-expression, a realm where innovation and tradition intertwine to create garments that not only a...

What Is Crude Oil, and Why Is It Important to Investors?

Crude oil is the lifeblood of the global economy. As an investor, understanding the ins and outs of this vital commodity can be crucial to...

A Sweet Tooth's Guide to the Best Cakes in Melbourne

Indulge your sweet tooth in Melbourne's finest cakes! Brunetti offers decadent chocolate delights like Ciambella Chocolate Teacakes. Mel...

Alan Williams' Impact on Chicago's Defense: Analyzing Key Changes and Improvements

When Alan Williams stepped onto the field as the defensive coordinator for Chicago, expectations were high. His reputation for crafting di...

Understanding the Different Types of Pickup Truck Car Covers

Picking the right truck cover starts with understanding the various types available on the market. Each type is designed to address specif...

Understanding Commercial Plumbing in Adelaide

Introduction In the bustling city of Adelaide, where businesses thrive across diverse sectors, the seamless operation of commercial facil...

Driving into the Future: The Evolution of the Automotive Market in Australia - Trends and Predictions

Examining “the evolution of the automotive market in Australia: trends and predictions” reveals a swift embrace of electric vehicles a...

Crocs: Defying Fashion Norms and Redefining Individuality

In the realm of contemporary footwear, a singular item has emerged as a polarizing yet undeniably iconic choice: the versatile rubber shoe...

Benefits of Network Monitoring Devices in Businesses

In an era where seamless connectivity underpins business operations, ensuring a robust and secure network is paramount for any enterprise...

Tips for Staying Socially Active as a Senior

Staying socially active as a senior can be a challenging task. It becomes particularly difficult as mobility decreases, and friends and fa...

The Benefits of Living in Nature

Have you ever dreamed of buying a mountain property for sale, living immersed in nature, and being surrounded by the beauty of trees and w...

Affordable and Chic: A Guide to Stylish Splashback Tiling on a Budget

When it comes to kitchen renovations, splashback tiling stands out as a game-changer. Not only does it serve a practical purpose by protec...

How to Choose the Perfect Trailer for Your Needs

Whether you're hauling equipment for work or embarking on a weekend adventure, selecting the right trailer is essential. With a myriad of ...

Is There a downside to Taking collagen peptides? Understanding the Side Effects for a Healthier You

Introduction  Lately, everyone seems to be talking about collagen peptides. They're a type of protein that comes from collagen, a key pa...

The Best Materials for Living Room Plantation Shutters: A Comparison

Plantation shutters are a timeless and elegant window treatment that adds both style and functionality to any living space. When it comes ...

Top 5 Home Renovations That Increase Property Value

Enhancing the value of your property is a common goal for homeowners, whether they plan to sell soon or simply want to boost their investm...

Discover the Elegance of Sheer Curtains in Melbourne: A Guide to Custom-Made Sheer Elegance

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces, the right choice of window treatments can make all the ...

Tomorrow Business Growth