Scientific and technical employment demand to grow
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations' (DEEWR) recently released Australian Jobs 2011 report has found that professional, scientific and technical services demand is due to increase by 17%, or 149,800 positions, over the coming five years. Most of this growth is expected to occur within the Architectural, Engineering and Technical Services and Legal and Accounting Services sub-sectors.
The report shows that the professional, scientific and technical services sector, which currently employs 847,500 workers, experienced a growth of 19.1%, or 136,100 positions, over the last five year period.
A relatively low proportion of workers in the industry work part-time (22% compared with 30% for all industries). This industry also has a slightly lower proportion of workers who are aged 45 years or older (36% compared with 38% for all industries)
The report also found that 23% of the industry sector or 192 600 workers are employed in regional Australia. This industry represents a relatively small proportion of most regional workforces, but the report noted that shortages are evident in a number of professions in regional areas.
The Australian Jobs 2011 report is available at http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/ResearchStatistics/Pages/AustralianJobs.aspx