What are the high-demand jobs for 2023?

The Australian labour market continues to be tight in 2023, giving job seekers considerable bargaining power. While staff shortages are felt by many industries, demand for some occupations remains especially high this year.

So, what jobs are in high demand in 2023? At Synaco by Synergie, our primary focus is on the mining and construction industries, so let us take a closer look at the most sought-after blue-collar occupations employed by these sectors – as well as a variety of other industries. 

Blue-collar jobs in demand in 2023

• Metal fitters and machinists. This occupation involves operating machines and tools to shape metal stock and castings, as well as assembling and fitting metal parts into products. Metal fitters are also in charge of the operational maintenance of the machinery, and need to be proficient in reading drawings and specifications.
  
  To become a Metal Fitter or Machinist, you need either a Certificate III in Engineering (this course can be completed as part of an apprenticeship) or extensive industry experience.

• Boilermakers / welders. These workers assemble, maintain, and repair boilers – as well as various other large containers and closed vats. Boilermakers need to be proficient at working with iron, steel, and copper.
  
  You are usually required to complete a three to four year apprenticeship to become a boilermaker. You’ll also need Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade) which you normally complete as a part of your apprenticeship.

• Electricians. This occupation is in high demand in both residential and industrial sectors. Electricians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade electrical networks.To be an electrician, you normally need Certificate III in Electrotechnology – although about 20% of the electricians currently employed do not have any formal qualifications. However, having relevant qualifications significantly improves your chances of employment, as more employers now require you to hold them.
• Air conditioning technicians. The duties of an air conditioning technician involve performing installations and maintenance of air conditioning units. They also need to diagnose and repair faults and select necessary components to carry out installations and repairs. While many air conditioning technicians service private residences, they are also employed by a large variety of industries.
  
  To become an Air Conditioning Technician, you need a trade qualification – usually a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration which is typically completed as part of your apprenticeship. You are also likely to require some additional licences (especially if you are going to work in an industrial environment).

• Motor Mechanics. Servicing, maintaining, and repairing motor vehicles are the main duties of motor mechanics.
  
  You can become a Motor Mechanic by completing an apprenticeship, although some formal training may also be required depending on what you would like to specialise in. For example, you need to be certified to be able to assess vehicles for roadworthiness.

• Plumbers. These tradespeople install and repair various pipes and systems, both in private residencies and in the industrial environment – such as water or gas supply systems, sewerage, or drainage.
  
  Plumbers must complete a four-year apprenticeship and often specialise in a certain type of work. In the course of their apprenticeship, they complete a Certificate III in Plumbing.
• Carpenters. This occupation involves working with wood, plywood and various framework to build, install and repair frames, walls, foundations, and other constructions.
  
  Carpenters are employed by a wide variety of industries. The tasks they perform may vary widely from project to project. These tradespeople need to complete a three to four year apprenticeship and get a Certificate III in Carpentry as part of their training.

What other construction and mining jobs are popular for 2023?

At the moment, the most sought after occupations in construction are:

• Construction managers. The main responsibilities of a constructor manager include overseeing construction projects to timely completion while also staying within set budgets. This job also involves day to day management of construction sites and ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.Usually, construction managers have extensive and varied experience in the construction industry – and also hold formal qualifications, such as Diploma (or Advanced Diploma) in Building and Construction (Management).

• Civil engineering professionals. These engineering professionals oversee the construction of such civil infrastructure objects as bridges, roads, dams, etc.
  
  They usually hold a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) – and, in most states, need to obtain a Professional Engineer’s Licence before they can practise independently as a Civil Engineer. Before you can apply for the Licence, you need to work as an engineer for a minimum of four years.

In the mining sector, 2023 will see continued demand for Mining Engineers.

These professionals are skilled at planning and overseeing the construction of mines. Mining engineers also design the layout of mines and mining equipment, and plan, oversee, and coordinate the employment of staff involved in mining operations.

Becoming a Mining Engineer usually involves six to seven years of studies. You need a Bachelor of Engineering degree majoring in Mining – then you spend a few years as a Graduate Mining Engineer before you are considered a fully qualified professional.

At Synaco by Synergie, we work hard to find the best possible match for you

At Synaco by Synergie, we are proud to be part of a 54-year-old global workforce solutions team, offering recruitment services Australia-wide, and working with large and small employers across a wide variety of industries.

Partnering with clients who share our goals and being fully committed to ensuring that we provide healthy and safe working conditions for our employees, we at Synaco by Synergie are confident that our recruitment processes achieve the optimal match between our employees and our clients.

Our partnerships extend across many industries, and we always endeavour to be open, engaged, and accountable to both our clients and candidates. Our commitment to best recruitment practices ensures Synaco’s continued success.

One of our ongoing commitments to our employees is ensuring that our representatives spend ample time in the field and attend pre-start and safety meetings, as well as work area inspections and other necessary assessments, inductions, and training sessions.

We at Synaco by Synergie are ready to assist you with your next career move – you can browse the list of our vacancies here.