Returning to work in the New Year, many find themselves reflecting on their current career and professional goals for the 12 months ahead. Some may seek development and learning to progress within their current organisation or industry, while others might be looking for a more dramatic change – exploring uncharted professional waters.
Whether motivated by a quest for greater job satisfaction, or more practical considerations of security and pay, the prospect of changing careers can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. One way to help guide what can be a life-changing decision is to consider the macro factors steering shifts in the economy and workforce landscape. By delving into the intricacies of high-demand roles, individuals can not only navigate the dynamic job market but also secure career longevity and job security. So, to embark on this journey of professional reinvention, let's unravel the possibilities that lie in understanding the evolving job landscape.
Late in 2023, the government’s newly formed Jobs and Skills Australia agency released its inaugural Annual Jobs and Skills Report. This looks at Australia’s current, emerging, and future skills needs and the economic, technological and societal trends that are driving it.
Trends at work
The report identifies three broad trends that are impacting on the workforce and associated skill requirements for the years ahead.
Digital transformation
While a topic of discussion in technology circles for many years, 2023 was the year that artificial intelligence truly entered the mainstream. ChatGPT is the headline act that captured attention, but countless other platforms and applications of AI have started to infiltrate both the professional and personal. The rise of digitisation, automation, and artificial intelligence marks a pivotal megatrend that not only presents substantial opportunities for enhancing productivity but also underscores the need for a new skillset. Many jobs face potential obsolescence, while others undergo significant transformation. A call for digital literacy resonates across the workforce and, beyond basic proficiency, there is an increasing demand for higher-level digital skills.
The road to net zero
As momentum gathers in the clean energy sector there are significant opportunities for Australia, given its abundant renewable energy resources and imminent construction demands. However, this also poses significant challenges, particularly for organisations and communities navigating the shift away from fossil fuels. Central to navigating this evolution is the development of skills essential for a successful transition. Stakeholders consistently highlight the need for Australia to bolster the pipeline of qualified workers, especially in regional areas, to effectively address the demands and complexities inherent in the clean energy transition.
The care economy
Developed economies across the world are beginning to see the impact of an aging population and Australia is facing those same challenges. While the care and support sectors already grapple with skills shortages,the demands on this industry are only likely to increase. Future projections indicate robust growth in employment within the care and support economy while the healthcare sector is confronted with similar pressures and growth expectations.
Skills and career focused training
Whether these sectors pique your interest, or there are other avenues to professional growth you wish to explore, UTS Open offers a wide range of industry aligned and skills focused training that can set you on the path to success.
Take the first step today.
