The National Skills Priority List has just been released in Australia for 2022. This report gives a detailed view of the occupations that are experiencing a skill shortage this year, plus a forecast for the occupations that will be in high demand for the future.
If you are planning for your future career, or are considering a career change, this list is a helpful starting point for finding an in-demand career that will keep you in secure employment.
The 2022 National Skills Priority List puts the following occupations at the top of the list for strong future demand. Click to see current job availabilities, and explore the skills and responsibilities for each role.
- Child care worker
- Waiter
- Storeperson
- Electrician
- Aged or disabled carer
- Program or project administrator
If you are already working in a career on this list, know that you are in high demand and it is a great time to negotiate for what you want.
- Is it time for a salary review? You can use our free salary tracker to compare your salary with the industry standard for your role.
- Looking for more flexibility in your role? Feel confident to ask for what you need knowing there are other jobs out there that might be able to better support you and your needs.
- Feeling ready for a new challenge? It can be hard to step out of your comfort zone, especially if you have been with the same company for a long time. Your skillset will open a lot of doors for you at the moment, so it might be the best time to make the leap!
Occupations experiencing a skill shortage in 2022
There is currently a low unemployment rate of 3.5{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} in Australia meaning that in general there is strong competition for qualified workers. Here are some of the industries experiencing the highest demand.
Jobs that require a degree
The proportion of occupations in shortage that require a bachelor degree or higher, has increased to 35{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} in 2022 from 19{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} in 2021. Where employers are struggling to fill positions it is often due to candidates accepting a similar job with another company.
Trade occupations
Anyone trying to build or renovate a house at the moment would be aware that trades are in short supply and high demand. Occupations requiring a certificate 3 or 4 and including traditional trade occupations had the highest percentage of skills in shortage at 46{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} in 2022, up from 38{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} in 2021.
Health occupations
Health professionals are in especially high demand at the moment with this group experiencing a 47{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} increase in shortage from 2021 to 2022. This has been attributed to a tough few years for health professionals who may have experienced high levels of overtime due to the pandemic, and have left the industry.
Jobs in education
In education only 60{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} of vacancies have been filled in 2022 vs 86{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} in 2021. Employers reported having a hard time finding the right candidates with only 1.6 suitable applications for advertised positions vs 3.8 in 2021.
New occupations added to the list in 2022
Times are changing. Since last year these occupations have joined the list of jobs experiencing a skill shortage. Here are the top 10 occupations in shortage in 2022 that were not in shortage in 2021 ranked by employment size.
- General Clerk
- Retail Manager
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Truck Driver
- Aged or Disabled Carer
- Accountant
- Office Manager
- Electrician
- Store person
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Start your search here.