Employment is a hot button issue for the sector in the current climate. So where are all the jobs at?
Online, according to the latest report from business information firm IBISWorld.
IBISWorld has revealed the key jobs of the future, highlighting industries that are tipped to enjoy strong growth in wages and high demand for skilled workers in the five years to come.
IBISWorld Australian general manager Dan Ruthven said the findings are essential for workers.
"Whether you are a school leaver, professional or someone keen to change careers, it is vital to be realistic about job prospects and to investigate your preferences thoroughly to maximise the payoff from education and upskilling in your chosen field."
According to IBISWorld, broader trends influencing employment growth include an intensifying focus on productivity and reducing the need for manual labour across a number of industries.
This, along with the ongoing push towards strong research and development of a technical nature, will drive demand for highly skilled equipment and systems operators and professionals with advanced degrees.
“With our economy in the middle of a transformation from manufacturing towards more knowledge-based industries, we are likely to see more employees upskilling or reskilling over the next five to 10 years,” Ruthven said.
IBISWorld forecasts that continuing growth in e-commerce will contribute to robust employment growth in the online shopping industry.
More employees will be required to establish and maintain web content, process transactions and distribute goods to consumers who are becoming increasingly confident – and comfortable – with buying online.
"Those with skills in information technology, supply chain logistics and digital marketing will be particularly sought after by online shopping firms," said Ruthven.
IBISWorld forecasts that the number of employees in the industry will grow at an annualised 7.7 per cent over the five years through 2018-19 to above 77,000.
An increase in online shopping is boosting demand for courier pick-up and delivery services, with employment within that industry expected to grow at an annualised 2.7 per cent over the next five years to 33,599 in 2018-19.
"Even though there’s significant investment underway in automated back-of-house systems to streamline operations in this industry, a reliance on manual labour, particularly in the crucial last kilometre of delivery, will continue to fuel demand for employees," Ruthven said.