There’s no question that the last 18 months has necessitated a never-before-seen shift in the way we work and what jobs and skill sets are proving popular in the employment market.
In a recent survey RMIT Online noted “The COVID-19 crisis has brought the “future of work” forward. While the big forces affecting work such as technology change, competition, globalisation, and organisational change have been around for years, the pandemic forced businesses to make decisions that perhaps they had delayed for some time. The COVID-19 crisis has brought the “future of work” forward. While the big forces affecting work such as technology change, competition, globalisation, and organisational change have been around for years, the pandemic forced businesses to make decisions that perhaps they had delayed for some time”.
What the statistics are saying
So, what are the emerging trends in employment and what are the growth areas to be aware of to consider when planning your transition from active service to the civilian workforce?
From a broad view, The Labour Marketing Information Portal (Aust Gov) Employment Projections data tells us that:
“Employment is projected to increase in 17 of the 19 broad industries over the five years to November 2025” Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth over the period”.
From https://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/GainInsights/EmploymentProjections
Drilling down into this data shows that there’s also significant growth in ICT professional roles (26%) as well as sales and marketing and advertising professionals (21%).Digital marketing skills are also becoming popular as businesses shift to communicate with their audience using the various social platforms.In fact, digital marketing has grown about 30% faster than other marketing positions (source). These jobs aren’t just experiencing a temporary boost - social media has changed how businesses interact and market to their consumers, so the need is here to stay.
Digital is the future
Digital skills and knowledge overall, will be increasingly desirable going forward in the global job market and will be a desirable addition to your professional profile.More businesses are embracing the use of automation and technology and its impact on software, processes and workflows as well as considering what place Artificial Intelligence (AI) has in improving business efficiency. Research by MIT Work of the Future concludes that ‘AI will enable new industries to emerge, creating more new jobs than are lost to the technology”.
It’s not all about digital and technology though, - RMIT Online’s survey also noted “Beyond technical competencies, the jobs of tomorrow will also require human skills. According to Burning Glass, the most sought skills in job advertisements from 2017 to 2020 included teamwork/collaboration, customer service, project management, budgeting and sales.”
Another emerging trend in the employment market is that employers will look to ‘rent’ talent to fill a skills gap.In a recent blog article, Harvard Business Review notes that “Ultimately, organizations simply can’t reskill the capabilities of their existing workforce fast enough to meet their changing needs” so they will shift from building skills of existing talent and hire to fill skills gaps when the need arises.The gig economy is nothing new, but it is enjoying a resurgence as a viable option for businesses to grow without adding head count. Contract work presents a good opportunity to ‘test the waters’ for industries or roles that appeal before you take the plunge and enter a permanent role.
They can also offer flexible working arrangements as you manage the transition to civilian life.
Employment of the future means more ‘WFH’ or ‘Work from anywhere’
Finally, it’s important to note that in addition to the employment trends, the way we work is changing and ‘teleworking’ or remote working is on the rise again. The global pandemic has meant that many workers will not be returning to a traditional office location for their role for some time and if they do it will be staggered or on a rostered basis.Remote working is not for everyone, it still requires certain skillsets to be able to competently perform in a role when not front and centre with your team or having easy access to your management structure as you might in a physical workspace. This should be taken into consideration when looking at potential employment pathways.
Transformed is pleased to partner with Workpath Australia (Vertical Scope Group) to offer several options to upskill in business and leadership as well as project management and digital and social media marketing. We specialise in delivering nationally recognised, world-class training and offer veterans tailored study plans so that they can professionally upskill while still in uniform.
Contact us to see how we can assist you in identifying in-demand skills to future-proof your meaningful post-service career.
Visit the WorkPath Australia Employment Program website to learn more about transitioning into your post-service career.
Vertical Scope Group are proud to have partnered with Transformed, Australia’s leading Registered Training Organisation to help veterans seamlessly transition from the military. Transformed specialise in delivering nationally recognised, world-class training and offer veterans tailored study plans so that they can professionally upskill while still in uniform.
To learn more about how they can help you plan your civilian career please visit their website: www.transformed.com.au