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Jobs & Careers

Skills in Demand

When there aren't enough people with the specialist skills needed to do a particular kind of work, this 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
  • Perceptions of certain work as unappealing 
  • 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 can differ from place to place. One area might need skilled hairdressers and horticulturists, while another may have a shortage of doctors and childcare workers. 

How Skills in Demand Can Benefit Job Seekers

Having skills in demand can be useful for job seekers because:

  • 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 some information about which jobs are in demand in Victoria (new window). This kind of information can be useful for job seekers in the following ways:

  • 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 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.

Links

Skill Needs
The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development provides some information about what skills are needed in which parts of Victoria.

Skill Shortages
The Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has some nationwide statistics about what skills are in demand in which part of the country.

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