Skill Shortage List Australia – Study in Australia 2024

One of the biggest motivators for international students is enrolling in programs that give them a career advantage. And with the Skill Shortage List Australia helps you pinpoint the in-demand career opportunities to align with your learning goals!

The Skill Shortage List of Australia directs you toward career pathways that align with your interests and future prospects. It offers opportunities for your advancement and stability in the workplace. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) make up Australia’s Skill Shortage List.

This list is a guide for you to match your education to Australia’s urgent labor needs. In this blog, you will get a clear idea of the nuances of the Skill Shortage List and insight into career-focused programs that correspond with the most in-demand industries.

Understand Australia’s Skill Shortage List

Australia has a low unemployment rate and a high employment rate, according to the OECD Better Life Index. Australia’s unemployment rate in July 2022 was 3.4%, a decrease from the 5.1% rate before the epidemic. Australia has a larger percentage of working-age people where 73% are working in paid employment versus the OECD average of 66%.

If you are looking to match your educational and professional pathways with Australia’s in-demand professions, you must understand the country’s Skill Shortage List.

The Skill Shortage List of Australia has two essential components:

1. Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL):

• There is a great demand for jobs on this list. These jobs are essential for the nation’s medium- to long-term economic growth.

• There is frequently a steady demand for workers in occupations on the MLTSSL, which presents opportunities for skilled migration and permanent residency.

• It acts as a reference for aspiring students and experienced professionals thinking about careers with long-term value in the Australian labor market.

2. Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL):

• The STSOL addresses current skills shortages in particular areas or industries by including jobs that are in demand in the near term.

• Some jobs on this list may not be in high demand for a longer period, or they may require special visa requirements.

The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) make up the Skill Shortage List of Australia. The Department of Home Affairs of the Australian government updates these listings regularly.

Top Career-Focused Fields in Demand

Healthcare Professions:

Which program you ought to choose is one of the biggest question marks in your decision to study in Australia. Well, some of the most popular courses in Australia are in healthcare. Australia has a huge need for social aid and health care graduates, and for good reason!

One of the major employment sectors in Australia is health and social assistance. Approximately 14% of all working people in Australia make up this sector. Certified nurses are among the most in-demand positions.

Australian institutions offer all levels of health care and social support courses. For example, you can earn a certificate or certification in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in fields such as health administration or public health. As an alternative, you can pursue undergraduate or graduate work in health sciences or nursing.

Australia’s healthcare system relies heavily on registered nurses, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Registered nurses operate in various settings, such as emergency, mental health, aged care, pediatrics, and general practice, and offer patients medical attention, guidance, and emotional support.

If you meet the requirements for Australian skilled migration, you will find that becoming a registered nurse is a highly sought-after profession. The average pay for registered nurses in Australia is over AUD $80,000 annually.

If you study in Australia, a Bachelor of Nursing degree is the minimal requirement for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to practice as a Registered Nurse. Additionally, you must fulfill the standards for English language competency.

Information Technology:

Australia has a strong demand for software and applications programmers, which presents excellent opportunities for both novice and seasoned programmers. Software and app programmers can find excellent employment prospects across the nation in states and territories including Victoria (Vic), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), and New South Wales (NSW), etc.

These areas have the largest and most diverse regional economy. Graduates of relevant fields in Australia can explore lucrative career opportunities as software and applications programmers. The information technology sectors in Australia are already booming and experts project it will continue to do so.

Australia’s national average income for software and applications programmers is approximately AUD $90,000 per year. Senior programmers with experience under their belts can make over AUD $110,000 annually.

In short, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a similar discipline can open up professional opportunities for you to work as a software programmer in Australia.

Engineering:

In the Skill Shortage List Australia ranks multiple engineering positions among its most in-demand jobs. Aeronautics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and more come under this category.

For instance, in Australia, the job of civil engineers involves managing the building of public projects and enhancing the country’s current infrastructure. These experts actively participate in the planning, designing, construction, and upkeep of vital infrastructure, including railroads, bridges, and roadways.

If you are a Project Manager and have a strong interest in math and science, you can be an excellent candidate for this field. In Australia, as a civil engineer, you can operate your own businesses or work for public or private organizations.

A Civil Engineering specialization with a Bachelor of Engineering degree is a wonderful place to start if you want to work in this industry. According to Indeed, Australian civil engineers make an average of almost AUD $103,000 annually. This is also just one facet of engineering opportunities available in Australia.

Trades and Construction:

Some of the most popular programs on offer at Australian universities are those that deal with construction. More practical vocational education and training is available, leading to certificates and diplomas in fields such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and decorating, tiling, bricklaying, engineering and fabrication, and renewable energy.

Australian universities and other higher education institutions also offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in building. Construction management and architectural science are two examples of fields.

About 9% of Australian workers make up the country’s construction sector. Of these professions, half possess a VET certificate of at least a Certificate III. Construction managers, electricians, carpenters, and joiners are the top three jobs in terms of employment.

Education:

There are numerous top-notch schools offering degrees and certifications in teaching in Australia. Some of these qualifications are even available online. With the incredible standard of education Australia is famous for, it is natural that education is a field of interest in the Skill Shortage List Australia’s government is keen to strengthen.

Australia’s education and training industry shows great performance in recent years. Approximately 9% of Australian workers comprise of this sector. Of these, eighty-nine percent have formal qualifications.

Now, you may ask, what does this mean? In Australia, education-related credentials are the industry norm and helpful in securing employment. Primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, and teaching assistants are the most in-demand professions.

A university lecturer is also a highly attractive job title. In addition to guiding students toward academic success, lecturers teach subjects within their areas of expertise. If you are planning to pursue doctoral studies in Australia, this is a great pathway to consider. According to Indeed, the average yearly salaries for university lecturers in Australia is above AUD $108,000.

The position of early childhood teacher is another highly in-demand job on the Skill Shortage List Australia. If you are good with kids with a passion to support young individuals, there are plenty of work options for you in this profession. The job role involves organizing and managing programs that support kids’ academic, social, and emotional growth. By combining learning with play, you will also assist kids in acquiring fundamental skills.

According to Indeed, the national average salary for Australia’s Early Childhood Teachers is more than AUD $70,000 per year.

Social Work:

Social work, like helping the elderly or looking after children can also earn you a pretty great livelihood in Australia. The aged and disabled care sector in Australia is constantly in need of workers. These people can have very meaningful careers, but they must be empathetic and excellent with people.

In Australia, you can find jobs for elderly and disabled care providers in residential, healthcare, and community settings. By promoting people’s welfare, you can truly change people’s lives. Reports say that the average yearly salary for care workers in Australia is approximately AUD $60,000.

A career as a childcare worker can also be enjoyable and fulfilling, as there are many job options in childcare facilities, educational institutions, community agencies, and private homes in Australia. In Australia, the duties of childcare providers include keeping an eye on the children during their daily lives and activities.

These jobs also include creating educational resources and fostering the social and behavioral growth of the children. According to Seek, the average annual salary for childcare providers in Australia is approximately AUD $60,000.

Before you commit to what you want to study in Australia with your career in mind, always confirm the individual vocations and requirements by checking the most recent versions of the MLTSSL and STSOL. Along with your education, obtaining real-world experience through internships or industry certifications can greatly improve your employability in these in-demand industries.

Australian Universities with the Best Career-Focused Program Options

University	Programs that Align with Skill Shortage List Australia
Griffith University	Education and Tourism
Macquarie University	Medicine and Health
Australian Catholic University	Social Work; Health and Medicine
The University of Newcastle, Australia	Social Work
Bond University	Construction, property, and planning
Queensland University of Technology	Engineering; Information technology
James Cook University	Health and Pharmacy
Charles Darwin University	Computing and Information Technology; Education and Teaching
Deakin University	Construction and property; Education and Teaching
University of Tasmania	Education, Humanities and Social Sciences; Health and Medicine

How to Choose the Right Program to Study in Australia

Factors to Consider

Market Demand:
Analyze the demand in your field of choice for particular jobs. Consider the industry’s growth projections and sustainability in addition to the current demand.

Skillset Alignment:
Examine how your abilities and strengths match the demands of the career you select. Take into account if the program offers thorough instruction to fill in any skill shortages.

Visa and Migration Pathways:
You should recognize the migration routes and visa possibilities that relate to your chosen profession. Certain programs might present more favorable opportunities for skilled migration or permanent residency.

Geographical Considerations:
You should look into the areas with the most demand for your chosen profession. The demand for particular vocations may vary among Australian locations.

Importance of Matching Personal Interests with In-Demand Occupations

Passion and Motivation:
Greater job satisfaction and commitment can result from pursuing a career that is in line with your interests. Examine how your interests align with the most in-demand professions to identify a rewarding career path.

Long-Term Engagement:
Jobs that are in great demand frequently call for ongoing education and development. You can foster a long-term commitment to professional development by matching personal interests with these professions.

Explore pathways for internships, co-op programs, and industry certifications

Hands-on Experience:
Seek out courses that provide opportunities for cooperative education or internships that provide real-world experience. Your abilities and employability can be improved by this practical experience.

Industry Certifications:
Look at whether the program integrates or gets you ready for credentials the industry recognizes. Having these qualifications will greatly increase your marketability and preparedness for the workforce.

Networking Opportunities:
Internship and co-op programs that help build industry relationships can be extremely beneficial for your future career by offering important networking opportunities.

Rounding Up

Keeping up on the Skill Shortage List Australia is important as sectors and job markets can change. By aligning your interests with in-demand career opportunities and growth sectors, you can set yourself up for professional success as while studying abroad in Australia!