Job Shortages in Service Industries

There are two main types of jobs in the economy: those that provide tangible products or goods (in food, buildings, clothing, tools), and those that provide services or assistance (e.g. health, education, entertainment, communications, management, maintenance, tourism).

1. Jobs that provide goods involve creating, manufacturing, or distributing physical items that people can touch and use. These include careers in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and retail. For example, farmers produce food, builders construct homes and offices, and factory workers create clothing, tools, and electronics. Such jobs are essential for meeting people’s basic needs and supporting the material foundation of society.

2. Jobs that provide services focus on helping people achieve goals or improve their quality of life rather than producing physical products. These include roles in healthcare, education, entertainment, communications, management, maintenance, and tourism. For instance, teachers provide knowledge and skills, doctors and nurses promote health, and IT professionals ensure the smooth functioning of digital systems.

When choosing a career or job, one of the first considerations should be whether you want to work in a goods-producing industry or a service-oriented one. People who enjoy working with their hands, building things, or seeing concrete results might be drawn to goods-producing jobs.

Those who prefer interacting with people, solving problems, or supporting others may find service industries more fulfilling.

In most developed countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, service industries dominate the job market. In fact, around 80% of all employment is found in service sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, retail, and information technology. This reflects broader economic trends toward automation and globalisation, where manufacturing has become more efficient and many economies now rely heavily on knowledge, information, and customer service.

What is in Demand?

The Australian government lists a range of in demand occupations on their jobs and skills web site, many of which are in service industries. Some of these include:

▪️ Agricultural Consultant

▪️ Aged and Disability Carers

▪️ Child Care Worker

▪️ Hotel Manager

▪️ Legal Secretary

▪️ Recruitment Consultant

▪️ Counsellors (Rehabilitation, Student)

▪️ Sports Industry Services (Coaches, Managers, Administrators)

▪️ Tour Guides and Tourist Information Officers

▪️ Training And Development Professional

▪️ Welfare Worker

▪️ Youth Worker

How Can You Get onto One of These Career Paths for In-Demand Roles?

Getting into an in-demand career takes more than luck! It requires preparation, persistence, and the right attitude. Whether you want to work in a service industry or a goods-producing field, there are several key steps that can help you get started and build long-term success.

1. Develop a Passion for the Job
The first and most important step is to have a genuine interest in the job or industry you’re pursuing. Employers are more likely to hire someone who shows enthusiasm, curiosity, and a positive attitude toward their work. Passion drives motivation - it keeps you learning, improving, and showing up with energy every day. Even during challenges, people who love what they do are more likely to stay committed and succeed.

2. Gain Knowledge and Qualifications
Next, you need to build a foundation of knowledge and skills that make you valuable to an employer. This can be achieved through study, such as completing a course. Even short courses or certificates can demonstrate initiative and help you stand out. Staying up to date with industry trends and new technologies can also give you an advantage in competitive fields.

3. Get Experience - Start Wherever You Can
Experience is essential but getting that first opportunity can be challenging. The key is to start somewhere, even if it’s not your ideal job. Entry-level, part-time, or casual positions are valuable stepping stones that allow you to learn practical skills, understand workplace culture, and prove your reliability. If paid work is hard to find, volunteering or completing internships can also provide meaningful experience and open doors to future opportunities. Remember, every experience counts - it helps you grow and shows employers that you’re proactive.

4. Build a Professional Network
Finally, networking plays a crucial role in career development. Many job opportunities come through personal or professional connections. Attend industry meetings, seminars, or community events where you can meet people working in your chosen field. Join professional associations or online groups, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself or ask for advice. When people in your industry know you and your abilities, new opportunities are far more likely to come your way.

Study What?

Careers often start with shorter courses that provide a taste or foundation to underpin further study. A short course, micro credential or certificate will prove to employers that you are serious and provide a foundation for doing the work. Advanced qualifications, diplomas or degrees are big time commitments and more often than not, are unnecessary as a first step. Once you’re on your career building path, larger qualifications can become important.

Here are a couple of example roles and shorter courses which are aligned

Legal Secretary – Start with our course in Legal Terminology

Tour Guides & Tour Info Officer – Start with Tour Guiding Short Course

Do you want to learn new skills? Do you want to move into an area where there are plenty of jobs?

Enrol with us and learn everything you need to get started. Sign up now!