As school leavers consider their career options for 2019, a recent study by TAFE NSW of the region covering the NSW Central Coast to North Coast has forecasted employment growth over the next three years.
The study said the growth applies particularly to the health, wellbeing and community services and infrastructure, energy and construction sectors in particular.
TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Susie George said the study found the former sector should expect employment growth of 4.4% by 2021, seeing it overtake the latter to become the number one employer.
“Newcastle and Lake Macquarie locals looking to begin their career or move jobs in the next three years should enjoy a positive outlook as the region experiences strong growth,” Susie said.
“Opportunities lie especially within the health, wellbeing and community services sector, due to the number of people moving into the area growing and our general population ageing.
“In fact, across the NSW Central Coast to North Coast region this sector will overtake infrastructure, energy and construction and technology and business services to become the largest employer. Specifically, employment in the aged or disabled carer occupation – already the most in-demand workers – is forecast to increase by 6.5% by 2021.
“Having said that, the infrastructure, energy and construction sector does have the largest share of jobs currently, accounting for 19.4% of employment, plus it has the second-largest forecasted increase in employment from 2018 to 2021. And when comparing all occupations within every sector, project builder is anticipated to experience the second-largest employment growth.
“So, plenty of opportunities lie there too, especially as Newcastle continues developing our CBD, introducing new infrastructure projects such as the Newcastle Cruise Terminal, completing renovation projects like the re-establishment of the Belmont Baths and progressing the spread of new housing areas.
Susie said TAFE NSW offers a range of qualifications across industries expecting growth, including aged care; building trades; business; leadership and management; commercial cookery; community services; disability sector; early childhood care; electronics and electrotechnology; hospitality, information and communications technology; and travel and tourism.
“TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest education and training provider and will continue to innovate and invest in courses to meet the skills needs of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. We deliver the skills that drive a strong economy, support vibrant communities and help individuals, enterprises and industries to adapt and thrive,” Susie said.
“With more than 1,200 face-to-face and online courses available for 2019, and with current and future job prospects for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie looking bright, I encourage the community to visit TAFE NSW to find out how you can upskill or reskill to pursue employment opportunities.”
Locals can explore course and career options by visiting the TAFE NSW InfoFest between 21 and 25 January 2019 at these TAFE NSW locations: Tighes Hill, Hamilton, Hunter St, Glendale and Belmont. The TAFE also offers online information sessions.
IMAGE | As school leavers consider their career options for 2019, TAFE NSW has released a study forecasting employment growth over the next three years in the region.
