When there aren't enough people with the specialist skills that are needed to do a particular kind of work, the result is known as a 'skill in demand'.
For example, if a chemical engineering firm has four jobs available for chemical engineers, but only two qualified chemical engineers apply for those jobs, the other two jobs have to stay vacant, no matter how many other people apply.
Why are some skills in demand?
There are lots of reasons why some skills are in demand, including:
- A lack of skilled people in a particular place
- Image problems making people not want to do that job
- A lack of investment in training
- Changes in the labour market because of changes in technology or the economy
The kind of skills in demand in can be very different from place to place. One area might have a demand for skilled hairdressers and horticulturists, while another might have a demand for doctors and childcare workers.
How skills in demand can benefit job seekers
Skills in demand can be useful for job seekers because:
- If a skill is in demand there will be more vacancies for people with that skill
- Wages and conditions may be better if your skills are in demand
- There may be better training opportunities for jobs with skills shortages
How do I find out what skills are in demand?
The Victorian Government has prepared a state-wide survey of skills in demand in regional Victoria (new window). This survey outlines what kind of skills are in demand in different parts of Victoria. There's also a summary report that gives an overview of the entire project.
This kind of information can also be useful for people looking for jobs.
- If you want to get a job in your local area, finding out what skills are in demand in your area can help you to work out the kind of jobs that are most likely to be available. With that information you can then decide what kind of study or training you will need.
- If you want to get a specific kind of job, finding out which parts of Victoria have a demand for the skills that that job needs can help you to work out where that kind of job is available. With that information you can then decide where you will need to be living to get that kind of job.
Things to think about
- Just because a skill is in demand, it doesn't mean you can automatically get a job in that area. You still need the specialised skills required.
- If you don't have the skills that are in demand, there might be an opportunity to get an entry-level job in a skill-in-demand field. This will let you develop your skills on the job.
- If you're thinking about training for a skill in demand, remember that some places with skill shortages now might not have the same shortages when you finish training.
- Don't choose a skill in demand just because it's in demand. It's always better to pick a job that actually interests you.
Skills in demand websites
Regional Skills Shortage Survey Project
This is the home of the results of the project that the State Government used to find out specific details of what skills are needed in which parts of Victoria. You can download a report for each of the 11 regions, or start with the summary report to get an overview.
Live in Victoria - Skills in Demand
While this site targets people who are thinking of migrating to Victoria for work or study, it provides the latest list of Skills in Demand in Victoria. If you're planning your career, this list will give you an insight to areas with a skills shortage.
Job Guide - Skills Shortages Occupations
Info about skills shortages for job seekers including a list of skills shortages across Australia.
