Carers rise in demand

‘Everyday’ jobs key to surging population

TECH roles may be considered the jobs of the future but Australia’s booming population is creating demand for “everyday” workers, such as aged carers, school teachers and builders.

The national population has crept over the 25 million mark, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing about 390,500 extra people in the country in the 12 months to June.

This included a natural increase of 153,800 people – with births outnumbering deaths – as well as net overseas migration of 236,700.

Social analyst David Chalke said increasing numbers of migrants led to growth in education services, such as language skills training.

“(Migrants) tend to be younger, and therefore things to do with household forma- tion (receive a boost), such as building and equipping houses, transport, hospitals and education,” he said.

“Young migrants will be having children so anything associated with childcare and peri-natal services (will grow too).

“Cultural diversity will also bring the need for other services, such as translators.”

Strategy Planning Group principal David Chalke said Australia’s natural population increase was because people were living longer so the agedcare sector would also benefit.

“Commercial radio is nothing but advertising for lifestyle villages and funeral plans,” he said. “Anything to do with an ageing population is a booming service.”

Federal government modelling predicted a 39.3 per cent increase in the number of aged and disability carers between 2018 and 2023, creating 69,200 jobs in five years.

Meanwhile, the number of registered nurses would grow by 18.4 per cent (up 51,400 jobs), child carers by 17.6 per cent (27,600), school teachers by 10.8 per cent (45,900) and construction trades workers by 6.5 per cent (25,800).

WorldSkills Australia chief executive Brett Judd said increasing populations would put pressure on house prices.

“If it’s not getting built fast enough, then the supplydemand cycle will kick in and the prices will kick in,” he said.

“How do you get ahead of that? You need better and more skilled (construction trades) workers.”