The Australian Labour Market for Migrants is a report published by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). It is intended to inform migrants, people interested in working in Australia, and organisations. It's latest edition was published on 31 January 2025.
According to the report, the Australian labour market continues to perform well, although some economic indicators point to a further softening in labour market conditions. This post provides a summary of the main takeaway points.
State of the Australian labour market
Over the 12 months to November 2024, employment opportunities and growth varied widely across industries. The largest increases in trend employment occurred in Health Care and Social Assistance (up by 70,200), Education and Training (up by 54,900) and Accommodation and Food Services (up by 42,700).
The largest decreases in employment occurred in Manufacturing (down by 16,400), Financial and Insurance Services (down by 7,800) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (down by 7,200).
The strongest rates of employment growth were in Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services (up by 8.0%), Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services (up by 6.1%). Accommodation and Food Services; and Education and Training each saw an increase of 4.6%.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) had the highest share (61.0%) of employment of Managers, Professionals, and Technicians and Trade Workers, followed by Victoria (54.9%) and New South Wales (NSW, 54.0%).
Migrant employment
Overseas-born people represent the highest share of people employed in Western Australia (42%) and the lowest in Tasmania (18.0%). The share of employed people born in countries other than main English-speaking countries is highest in Victoria, the ACT and NSW (31.9%, 29.6% and 28.8% respectively).
Main English-speaking countries are the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Canada, the United States of America and New Zealand.
Engineering Skill Shortages
JSA’s analysis of skill shortages shows that in 2024 Australia had national shortages for all Engineering Professional occupations, with some occupations being in shortage in every state and territory (e.g. Civil Engineers).
JSA has identified Reliability Engineer and Logistics Engineer as emerging roles with a high number of online job advertisements. Another occupation that JSA has identified is Robotics Engineer.
The full report is available on JSA's website via this link.
Stay tuned for more details on Skilled visas. Subscribe to the next ImmiUpdate below to stay informed.
For more information please Contact Us or email elan@ryshermigration.com.au
Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.
Information (or the lack of it) contained in ImmiUpdates should not be relied on as immigration assistance or advice. ImmiUpdates expressly disclaim any liability, arising at law, in equity or otherwise, for any information published or not published in past, the present or future editions of the blog. People seeking immigration assistance should seek advice from a registered migration agent and those seeking legal advice should consult a lawyer. The copyright in the newsletter belongs to Rysher Migration Services and no part of the blog is to be reproduced by any means without the written consent of Rysher Migration Services.