Just the Job! The Most Wanted Occupations in Australia

If you’re keen to emigrate to Australia as part of their skilled migration programme, you’ll no doubt be aware that only people with specific jobs need apply!

The jobs that are most sought after vary by Australian territory, but it is interesting to take a look at the occupational ceilings that were recently released for the 2014 – 2015 financial year.

There have been some notable changes, with lower demand for teachers, accountants and construction trades, with the quotas for registered nurses, engineers and IT professionals increasing.

Nurses remain the most keenly sought-after profession, with the numbers increasing to 15, 042 places in the latest skilled migration programme. The demand for nurses is more than double any other occupation group.  There has also been a boost in the numbers of places for IT professionals and engineers, reflecting the fact that the quotas for these professions almost reached their limit last year.

It is interesting to see how demand rises and falls for different occupations as this sometimes reflect how the country’s culture is changing e.g. an interesting link has been made between the popular TV programme Masterchef (which has both Oz and UK versions) and Australian migration statistics! Apparently, there is a correlation between the healthy ratings of Masterchef – and an increased interest in all things gastronomic – and a significant increase in the number of cooks being approved for Australian skilled visas.  In other words, Masterchef whetted people’s appetites for fine dining and foodie culture, this is reflected in an increase in the amount Australian people spend eating out – and the demand for more chefs is created.

The reasons for  occupational ceilings being issued is to restrict how many invitations to apply are issued by the Department of Immigration each year for general skilled migration in a particular occupation.

Here are the Top 11 Occupations:

1. Registered Nurses 15042 places
2. Electricians 7854 places
3. Carpenters and Joiners 7164 places
4. Secondary School Teachers 7002 places
5. Metal fitters and machinists 6816 places
6. Motor mechanics 6444 places
7. Accountants 5478 places
8. Construction Managers 5178 places
9. Software and Applications Programmers 5004 places
10. Structural Steel and Welding Trades workers 4482 places
11. Plumbers 4464 places

Even if your occupation hasn’t made the Top 11, it doesn’t mean that your job wont allow you to migrate down under.  You can check if you are eligible for a visa that is linked into the Skilled Occupations Lists here.

If you achieve your dream move to live and work in Australia – or anywhere around the world (!), there are many preparations that need to be made as you transfer your life from one country to another.  One thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is travel insurance.  Standard travel insurance policies are not suitable for those making a one-way journey and not returning to the UK – yet, you still require comprehensive cover for medical emergencies and all the other invaluable cover that travel insurance provides, as you prepare to make your trip, as you travel and for a period of time while you settle in.

At Go Walkabout, we offer a choice of two specialist one-way travel insurance policies that cater for this need, read more about the policies here.  These policies offer you a choice of how long you wish to be insured for, up to a maximum of 180 days, with  the proviso of having up to 31 days of cover in your final destination.

If you are travelling for a period of time before you reach your final destination, we can accommodate you too, please give us a ring on 01424 223964 to discuss your requirements.