As the days steadily become longer and darker, and the conclusion of 2011 grows nearer and nearer, it is time to start thinking about the New Year. Not just plans for the eve of the 31st (some may say, the most anti-climactic night of the year), but decisions for the whole of the big 1-2.
Undoubtedly, the nation is going through one of its toughest employment periods in a long time. With unemployment rates close to 20% across many regions, it is tough for current job seekers and new graduates trying to get into the workforce. That is why 2012 is the year to arm yourself with the applicable and fundamental skills, or study in a relevant programme, to ensure that you are more employable in future growth industries and professions. Having a university degree will be more important than ever, as research has predicted that occupations where a degree is required are expected to account for 1/3 of total job openings from next year onwards.
Predictions for the future of the job market have shown that the ten industries with the largest projected employment growth are management, scientific and technical consulting services (Graduate IT Jobs), offices of physicians, computer design systems and related services, general merchandise stores, employment services, local government (excluding education and hospitals), home health care services, services for the elderly and people with disabilities, nursing care facilities and full-service restaurants. More than half of the new jobs will be in health and service related occupations. The employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by almost 582,000 jobs, while the number of home and personal health aides is predicted to grow by 836,700 (48%).
The diversity of the labour force has also been predicted to markedly increase by 2018, as a result of higher population growth among minorities. The largest race group in the labour force by 2018 will remain white people (79.4%), while the number of Asians is predicted to rise by 29.8% (5.6% of total labour force by 2018) and the number of black people by 14.1% (12.1% of total labour force by 2018).
Thus, the New Year will bring with it changes in employment growth, industrial success and labour diversity. This year, more than ever, standing out from the crowd will be imperative to secure the scarce number of graduate jobs available.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Kate, GRB Journalist
