The labor market in Melbourne
Melbourne is a thriving city with many industries continuing to expand, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. As of the latest available figures, Victoria has a very low unemployment rate of 3.7%. The labor market is expected to grow into 2025, and the state government has recently announced a $2 billion investment in creating new jobs and supporting businesses. Essentially, if you're looking for work in Melbourne, this is a good time to go for it! Below, we've broken down the best industries for you to consider.
Growing industries in Melbourne
Healthcare and social assistance
As the population ages, the healthcare and social assistance industry continues to grow and is one of the largest employers in Australia, with over 1.7 million people working in the industry. It includes hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, social assistance, and ambulatory health care services, and the top occupations include nurses, aged and disability carers, and child care workers.
Retail trade
The retail trade is the second-largest employer in Victoria, employing over 1.2 million people throughout Australia. Part-time work is prevalent in this field, and jobs generally don't require post-school qualifications. It includes supermarkets, motor vehicle, parts, and fuel retailing, and occupations include retail managers, shelf fillers, and general sales assistants.
Professional, scientific, and technical services
Most of the jobs in this field require a degree and are full-time, located in capital cities. These include industries in legal and accounting services, veterinary services, and computer system design, and occupations include accountants, software and applications programmers, and solicitors.
Construction
Construction remains a major employer in Victoria, with over 330,000 people working in the industry. It is expected to grow by 5.5% over the next five years. Mainly a male-dominated field, apprenticeships and traineeships are the main requirement for construction, and occupations include carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is still a significant employer in Victoria, with over 277,000 people working in the industry. It includes food and beverages, petroleum and coal, machinery, and furniture, and occupations include metal fitters and machinists, production managers, and engineers. While this industry is expected to face some challenges in the coming years, it still plays an important role in the Victorian economy.
Opportunities for expats in Melbourne
It's good news for international job seekers in Melbourne and in Victoria. The state's economy is bouncing back and is set to experience strong workforce demand until 2025. Experts predict that more than 370,000 additional workers will be needed across all industries. The most in-demand jobs include aged and disabled carers, registered nurses, and software and applications programmers. While the economic outlook is positive, workforce constraints are a major challenge, especially in regional areas. So if you're looking for a job in Victoria, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you!
Expats in Melbourne should research the specific industry they wish to work in and network with professionals in that field. It's also important to have the appropriate visas and work permits in place before searching for employment in Melbourne. The job market is competitive, and having relevant skills and experience will increase the chances of securing a job.
