Careers

Careers NSW

Explore industries and occupations

In this section

Look at the big picture Drill down to your occupations Learn from real career success stories

Thinking of a new job or career but not sure where to look? It might help to know where the jobs are. What industries employ the most people? What types of jobs do they offer? What are the future prospects? Understanding the many industries and occupations can help narrow the field and get you to a decision.

Follow the links below to learn more about the major employing industries in Australia and the opportunites they offer.

Where the jobs are - growth industries

When considering your future job and career options a good place to start is by exploring the major employing industries in Australia, especially those with the largest predicted growth for the future.

Growth industries offer many advantages, including:

a greater range of roles
job security
higher pay
opportunities for faster career progression

The National Skills Commission Employment Projections predict the following four service industries to have the most growth in the next five years:

Healthcare and social assistance

As the largest employing industry in NSW and Australia, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry is well worth considering. Already on a path of continuous growth this industry includes a wide variety of occupations. These include medical professionals, carers, and clerical and other roles that support medical services. Qualifications for a job in this industry will vary depending on the role and there are many opportunities at all levels.

Professional, scientific & technical services

This industry covers a broad range of occupations. It includes sectors such as scientific research, architecture, engineering, computing, law, and veterinary services. It’s the second largest employing industry in NSW after Health care and social assistance, and expected to grow further. Although most workers in this industry have some type of formal qualification, being such a broad industry means there are opportunities at all levels.

Education and training

Education and training is one of the largest employing industries throughout NSW. It’s strong future growth suggests increasing employment opportunities. Teachers make up the majority of the occupations in this industry although there are other roles available at all skill levels. Most teaching jobs require a NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) certified degree in teaching. The NSW Department of Education offers scholarship opportunities for future teachers.

Accommodation and food services

As a large and fast-growing employing industry, particularly in regional NSW, Accommodation and food services offers a great range of employment opportunities. With hospitality sectors such as short-term accommodation and restaurants, pubs and clubs, this industry has a great deal of entry level positions on offer. On-the-job training is common and flexible work arrangements, including part-time and casual employment, is a feature.

Other top employing industries in NSW with strong projected growth include:

Construction

Ongoing demand for infrastructure means the construction industry provides many employment opportunities. While there are some jobs that require formal qualifications there are many that don’t, with on-the-job training often provided at the base entry level.

Retail trade

The Retail trade industry consistently makes the top 5 largest employing industries across NSW. As the second largest employing industry in Australia it provides a multitude of opportunities. As an added bonus many roles do not require formal qualifications with on-the-job training often provided.

Public administration and safety

A career in public service can be very rewarding. The projected growth of the industry suggests both stability and great opportunities. There are a wide variety of occupations at all levels with great prospects for career progression.

Starting out in a growth industry can be very rewarding as well as future-proof your career. Growth industries can offer a wide range of roles at all skill levels, and opportunities for further skills development.

Resources and support

Look at the big picture

Explore the industries that interest you and learn more about the future prospects, pay, tasks, demands and skills associated with a career in that industry.

Drill down to your occupations

Learn more about the myriad of available occupations and get inspiration along the way to help you discover your dream career.

Learn from real career success stories

Be inspired by real people sharing the challenges and satisfactions of their career journeys.

Prefer to speak to someone?

Select your preferred consultant below and check your eligibility.

Was this page helpful?

With your help we can improve this page for others

Thank you for your feedback

If you need a response, send an enquiry instead.

Careers NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.