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