Melbourne recruitment trends: In demand occupations

With the skill shortages continuing to affect many industries across all Australian states, companies are finding recruiting and retaining qualified workers more challenging than a few years ago.

At the same time, it has become easier for job seekers to make their next move – whether it involves a new role in the same industry, entering a new one, or relocating interstate.

We at Synaco by Synergie are proud to be part of a 54-year-old global workforce solutions team providing recruitment services Australia-wide. We work with large and small employers in a wide range of industries – particularly in the mining, construction and resources sectors. We are also proud to announce the recent opening of our Melbourne office that will help Victorian employers and job seekers to successfully navigate the rapidly changing employment market. 

Below we highlight a few occupations that currently are in demand in Victoria based on the recent experiences of our Melbourne recruitment office.

Multi Combination (MC) truck drivers

MC Drivers – highly qualified drivers that can expertly and safely tow multiple heavy trailers – are currently in high demand in Victoria. The vehicles that MC Drivers work with include road trains, pneumatic tankers, and end tipper trailers with a mass that surpasses nine tonnes.

Duties of MC Drivers include:

• Delivering goods in heavy vehicles – including loading the goods into the truck and restraining them as required.
• Carrying out basic maintenance and inspections of the vehicles and reporting any detected issues.
• Ensuring compliance with various regulations, such as heavy vehicle operating guidelines, relevant safety regulations, fatigue prevention and management, and any additional employer requirements.
• Long hours, weekend and public holidays work.
• Interstate route driving.

In Australia, truck licensing is managed at state level. In Victoria, currently you must hold an Australian Heavy Combination vehicle or a Heavy Rigid vehicle driver licence for at least 12 months before you can apply for your MC driver licence. Then you need to undertake an accredited training course and pass a knowledge test followed by a practical driving assessment. 

Other licences that are often held by MC Drivers include Forklift Licence, Dangerous Goods Licence and MCIC card. Employers value MC Drivers who are punctual, follow safety procedures, consistently display a proactive attitude, and are able to work under pressure.

Successful MC Drivers find the job challenging and demanding – but also enjoy the competitive earnings, variety of experiences, and overall flexibility that come with the role.

Other transport industry workers 

Along with MC Drivers, other transport industry workers – such as drivers holding various Heavy Vehicle licences, delivery drivers, transport coordinators and officers – are also currently in demand in Victoria.

Transport industry jobs are mostly shift jobs, so some weekend and holiday work is usually expected. 

The qualifications required vary depending on the role, but all candidates looking for a job in the transport industry are expected to hold an Australian driver licence relevant to the role they are seeking. Also, some additional checks may be required. For example, bus drivers must hold a current Working with Children check – and delivery drivers may be required to obtain a Police Check. 

Always be sure to check the exact requirements of the position you are applying for to make sure that you obtain all required checks before submitting your application. This will both speed up the processing of your application and greatly improve your chances of getting the job you are applying for.

Warehouse workers

Another occupation currently in demand in Melbourne is also closely related to the transport industry – but warehouse workers are in charge of storing goods rather than moving them.

Warehouse workers are expected to be reasonably physically fit, as their role requires manual labour that often involves heavy lifting. Another important job requirement for warehouse workers is sound awareness of safe work practices and willingness to apply them.

Their duties include:

• Receiving goods: unloading trucks, checking in merchandise, etc.
• Handling and storing goods: opening containers and crates, sorting, labelling and placing items on shelves or in boxes or bins, etc.
• Taking stock of goods: counting inventory, keeping data records, reporting discrepancies, etc.
• Preparing goods for dispatch: processing requests, preparing orders, parcels and packages, placing them in the delivery area, etc.

There are usually no formal qualifications required to become a warehouse worker – however, a Forklift licence is often sought after by employers. Warehouse workers are also often required to obtain a High Risk Work licence. As usual, it’s always best to check the exact requirements of the role you are applying for to ensure your application is processed without delay. 

Warehouse workers often find their work satisfying because of the variety of assignments and the combination of independence and teamwork involved. If you are not deterred by early morning starts and some physically demanding tasks, you might find that the warehousing sector – expected to grow by about 6% over the next five years – provides plenty of promising career opportunities. 

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

Our goal is to partner with clients who truly share our goals and are committed to providing safe and healthy working conditions for our employees. 

With recruitment processes carefully designed with the specific aim of achieving the best possible match between our clients and employees, our successful partnerships extend across a wide variety of industries. We endeavour to be open, present and accountable in all our dealings with clients and candidates, thus ensuring Synaco’s continued success.

We spend plenty of time in the field, with our representatives attending pre-start and safety meetings and holding work area inspections. We also provide necessary inductions, assessments, and training.

So, trust Synaco by Synergie to guide you through your next career move – and see for yourself the difference that our caring and professional approach makes.

In addition to the occupations listed above, our Victorian office is currently actively hiring mechanics and fitters, as well as plant operators, front loaders, operators and excavators. Please contact our Melbourne office for more detail.

Our vacancies in other Australian states can be viewed here.