KNOWLEDGE WORKERS AMONG MOST SOUGHT AFTER IN 2017

KNOWLEDGE WORKERS AMONG MOST SOUGHT AFTER IN 2017

BUSINESSES searching for efficiencies and improved systems are in search of knowledge workers early this year, says the latest Hays Quarterly Report for January-March 2017, making them among the most in-demand in the labour market.

Hays Australia and New Zealand managing director, Nick Deligiannis, says employers are looking to add value through recruitment in 2017, putting the emphasis on workers with a particular set of skills tailored to the issues facing each sector.

In a competitive market, job seekers will need to spell out the value the can add to a role when applying to stand out, says Deligiannis.

"That could be through previous experience in a related discipline, prior process improvements or efficiency gains, additional tickets or qualifications or advanced digital or systems skills, all of which allow a candidate to perform supplementary duties," he says.

Deligiannis lists construction and engineering, finance, and the IT industry as sectors facing challenges that will require skills this year.

"Infrastructure projects are driving the construction, engineering and property markets, professional services is active, the focus on cyber security and big data keeps the IT industry busy, and the continued emphasis on risk, compliance and financial planning fuels the banking industry," he says.

"The rapid rise in robotics and automation will start to increase job opportunities in the industrial robotics and service robotics sectors, the NDIS is creating a huge need for front line case managers, and qualified childcare staff are still in short supply in education."

The most in-demand workers this quarter, according to Hays

Business performance analysts who can develop advanced models are in demand as businesses want to understand where they can create savings and drive efficiencies.

Systems accountants are needed as businesses implement new systems and look for improvements.

Highly-skilled financial accountants and qualified management accountants with local experience are in short supply.

Commercial analysts are another area of need as companies act to ensure decision makers receive meaningful information and insights into the business.

Within professional practice, supervisors and assistant managers in business services are needed, and firms view quality candidates as potential future partners.

Interior designers with Revit documentation skills and a strong design sensibility are needed.

So too are senior architects who can assist in running a firm while remaining hands-on when it comes to design.

Investment strategists are required. With major international events drastically impacting local markets, investors are increasingly looking to international and emerging markets to hit growth margins and mitigate risk.

Financial planners with a degree and ADFP, and preferably CFP, are in demand for both financial planner roles and remediation projects.

Mathematics teachers and science teachers, particularly chemistry and physics, are in very short supply. Teachers with experience teaching at the HSC level and with HSC marking experience are also needed.

Engineers with sound technical knowledge who can consult and manage clients are required.

Physiotherapists and psychologists with the right qualification and experience are in short supply.

Experienced personal care assistants (PCAs) and senior managers are sought by aged care providers, as are business-minded nurse managers capable of maximising the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) who also have strong people management and leadership skills.

Experienced endorsed enrolled nurses remain the most sought after candidate in aged care, but there is a shortage of people looking to work in this area.

Clinical research associates are sought as an increasing number of clinical trials are coming to Australia. Senior clinical trial associates are needed too. Employers want candidates who are committed to a career in this role in order to provide experience and stability to a fast-paced clinical research environment.

Across the eastern seaboard, there is demand for commercial property, construction and planning and environment lawyers. The construction boom is driving demand for candidates with top-tier backgrounds for in-house roles in large infrastructure and development companies, while law firms want property and construction law specialists, both front end and back end.

Corporate and commercial lawyers with solid mergers and acquisition backgrounds are also sought.

Senior banking, finance and restructuring lawyers who are open to contract roles with leading banks and financial institutions are another area of demand.

Maintenance and production planners are required. As stock levels and speed to market becomes increasingly competitive, and as manufacturers aim to reduce their raw materials held for cost reasons, these candidates will see demand for their skills remain high.

ICT procurement specialists are also in high demand, especially those with current technology experience. In addition, within government contractors need GITC experience in order to be considered; within the private sector employers want licensing experience.

Change analysts are in short supply too. There has been an increase in the number of these roles driven by a desire to manage costs.

Data analysts are also sought. A growing reliance on in-house data analytics has driven growth, especially in the government space.

CRM and marketing automation professionals are also in high demand as customers expect the right message at the right time.


Business News Australia

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