Perth is a great place to begin building your career. The city is home to some of Australia’s fastest growing industries and offers a diverse range of career opportunities for future graduates. The state’s valuable mining industry continues to be one of Perth’s largest employers, while healthcare, information technology and education opportunities are also on the rise.
Occupation lists
If you’re studying an in-demand career field, you might be eligible for skilled migration after you graduate. You can find out which careers are currently eligible by reading through the Western Australian Skilled Migrant Occupation List (WASMOL). The WASMOL is a comprehensive directory outlining a wide range of eligible career paths from a variety of fields.
If you undertake an occupation nominated on the WASMOL, you may be eligible for Western Australian State nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), which can provide you with pathways to permanent residency.
Let’s take you through eight of the most in-demand careers in Perth.
Engineer
Engineering is a constantly changing field, and one of the most in-demand careers in Perth. The city actually has the highest density of engineers in the world, with 22 engineers per 1000 people! The specialties you can choose as an engineering student are broad, and can include mechanical, chemical, civil, mining, structural and software engineering. Many types of engineering are found on the WA Skilled Migrant Occupation List, including agricultural, electrical, biomedical, civil and chemical. Engineering graduates in Perth often find work in the state’s mining, energy and resources sector, and it’s common for engineers to do a period of FIFO (fly-in fly-out) work in rural Western Australia.
If you’re considering a career in engineering, there are a variety of degree options available at Murdoch University, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University and The University of Western Australia. You can also undertake a diploma or certificate through TAFE International Western Australia.
Information Technology Specialist
These days, almost every industry relies on information technology (IT) to carry out daily business operations. While specific responsibilities may vary depending on the job role and industry, an information technology specialist maintains and manages a workplace’s data, internet networks, computer systems, website, programs and cybersecurity issues. It’s common for IT workers to specialise in a certain area, such as programming or cybersecurity.
In Perth, you can study information technology at Murdoch University, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University and The University of Western Australia, as well as through TAFE International Western Australia.
Audiologist
An audiologist is who you would go to for issues related to your hearing and balance. Usually, audiologists are part of medical teams that deal with ear, nose and throat disorders. An audiologist is recognised as one of the most in-demand careers for migrants on the Western Australian Skilled Migrant Occupation List. Many audiology students start out with an undergraduate degree in human biology, biomedical science or physiology. In Perth, the University of Western Australia offers the only postgraduate audiology degree in the state. The degree is one of only six accredited audiology courses in Australia.
Teacher
Teachers and vocational trainers are in high demand all over Perth and rural Western Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Western Australian educators are over the age of 60 and nearing retirement. This means that there will be an increased demand for teachers in the very near future. If you choose to study education, you can select whether you want to specialise in early childhood, primary school or high school teaching. Or, if you have already completed a specialist degree, you may consider furthering your education and becoming a professor.
Education courses in Perth are offered at The University of Notre Dame, Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia.
Autonomous Systems Technician
Automation systems and machinery are rapidly changing the way that the mining, resource and energy industries operate. Rather than operating machinery on site, many of the state’s large mining projects are being conducted from office buildings in Perth CBD. This has increased the demand for employees with the technical skills to operate and manage automation technology systems. If you’re interested in the design or engineering element of autonomous systems, you may consider studying industrial automation engineering.
Nurse and Midwife
Nursing and midwifery are important healthcare professions. A nurse may work in a hospital, medical centre, school or community centre and is responsible for the care and support of patients who are unwell and requiring medical treatment. A midwife is trained to care for and support women during pregnancy, labour and birth. Nurses and midwives are required everywhere in the world and for this reason, both professions are listed as eligible careers on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List.
Many education institutions offer combined qualifications in nursing and midwifery. Education courses are offered at The University of Notre Dame, Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, and Murdoch University.
Accountant
An accountant manages personal and business financial data. Many accountants work for an accounting firm and help individuals with their personal finances. Others are employed by a company to manage financial accounts, taxation, project funding, inventory processes, KPI reports, expenditure and internal audits. Accountants are always in high demand because they are employed in almost every industry.
In Perth, you can study accounting at Murdoch University, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University and the University of Western Australia.
Aged and Disability Support Worker
Australia’s aging population means that the demand for aged care workers is on the rise. Aged care and disability support workers provide physical and emotional support for people who are unable to care for themselves. The role will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs, but may include assisting with dressing, showering, taking medicine, social outings and recreation. You may work in an aged-care facility, hospital or in someone’s home. Aged and disability support workers usually require training and certification.
You can obtain these qualifications from TAFE International Western Australia and Stanley College
Career support in Perth
If you’re ready to launch your career in Perth, you can read our tips for starting work in the city here. StudyPerth’s Jobs In Perth also offers a comprehensive guide to finding work, covering employment types, worker’s rights, and organising your Tax File Number. You can also check out StudyPerth ProsPER, a free online portal for international students that equips you with the skills, experiences, networks, and knowledge needed to excel in your professional and personal lives in Perth.
