10 Most In-Demand Career Skills

The job market can be volatile and ever-changing, and with the recent announcement that the unemployment rate is at its highest in 12 years, if you’re in the process of career planning, then understanding the current skill demands in the employment market can help steer you in the right direction.

Just as unemployment statistics fluctuate, so to do the most in demand employment skills for job seekers across Australia. This is why it’s essential that any study you undertake provides you not only reat industry specific skills, but also general, strong skills that can carry you through any employment changes you make in the future.

Five Current Career Skill Trends for 2014

1. Management Skills: The retail sector is set to grow between now and 2017. Don’t be put off by thinking small, there’s lots of opportunity to launch a fulfilling career within the retail industry. Having great presentation and a great attitude will get you in, and undertaking study, particularly business management courses will help you progress to higher, better paid positions, and provide transferrable skills for other industries.
2. Trade Skills: While trade demand fluctuates, the shortage of various trades is generally the focus of government incentives on a regular basis. Plumbers, builders, hairdressers, mechanics; all these industries regularly struggle to find employees.
3. Health Care: There’s no escaping the fact that Australia has an aging population, and this trend will continue into the foreseeable future. This offers a great opportunity for those willing to embrace a career in health industries such as aged care. Look for an aged care course that offers work placement to help you gain essential experience, and launch a fulfilling career.
4. Cooking Skills: It helps to know what skills shortages exist in your state, for example in Victoria there are skills shortages in careers for chefs and cooks which may not apply in other areas across the country. Gaining training or experience in these skills can help ensure you can have a fulfilling career in the region you wish to live. Be sure to do research for skills shortages in your region. Click to see what Hospitality Courses are available in Melbourne with MCIE to reach your career goals.
5. Disability Workers: With the implementation of the government’s disability care scheme, there is an increased need for disability workers that needs to be filled for this and future programs to be successful. You could study a Certificate IV in Disability.

Five General Skills for any Career

One way to help your career stay on track is to remain flexible, and gather skills which are easily transferrable across a range of industries. Thinking creatively when you are applying for roles, you will realise that many of these are obtained just through everyday life, by setting yourself study goals, or through the responsibilities you’ve accomplished during past roles. These skills include:

1. Technology Skills: Whether through personal use, or being able to prove your technical ability via study and experience, the use of technology is vital to most employment positions.
2. Communication: Employers are seeking those who can communicate well and be an effective part of their team. You’ll get the chance to prove this with the presentation of your resume and cover letter, but being confident during interviews will really prove your skills. While employed, communicating well with other team members, your boss, and customers will be vital to ensuring your career stability.
3. Problem Solving: A great way to prove your problem solving skills if you’re approaching a new career is to obtain them by undertaking study. Succeeding in a study program offers proof of your ability to research and problem solve, characteristics which employers love.
4. Language skills: In a multicultural world, the ability to speak multiple languages is a skill that’s sometimes considered necessary. This will be especially evident in career sectors such as Hospitality where interaction with international tourists may be common.
5. Organisation and Attentiveness: Studied while holding down a job, or raising a family? Let your prospective employer know, or if you’re up-skilling to become better at your current job, tell your boss. Higher level positions require the ability to multi-task, stay organised and be attentive to details and the needs of others. Don’t underestimate the skills you’ve used to succeed and boast about them to move your career forward.