South Australia’s workforce is evolving. Here are some of the state’s most in-demand jobs – and how you can make them yours.
The state is brimming with opportunities for jobseekers, and the future looks bright for anyone looking to kickstart or change their career.
Don’t know where to start? The State Government has released the Jobs and Skills Outlook 2024 – an annual report highlighting the industries with the greatest current and future demand for skilled workers.
The report predicts over 146,000 new qualifications will be needed to fill skilled jobs in the next five years.
The good news? Over half of these can be achieved through vocational education and training (VET), which has undergone a recent renaissance thanks to $2.3 billion in state and federal government funding.
South Australia is also home to leading international universities, including the new amalgamated Adelaide University, set to open in 2026. That makes this a golden moment to kickstart your dream career.
Here are some of the state’s hottest jobs right now, according to the report.
Top in-demand jobs in SA (and how to get started)
1. Early Childhood Educator
Why it’s hot: Universal preschool has ramped up the need for skilled early learning educators across the state.
How to train: Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
2. Software Programmer
Why it’s hot: South Australia is emerging as a tech hub, with software programmers leading the way in industries like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and app development.
How to train: Certificate III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Information Technology or Computer Systems depending on where you’re starting from, Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, or coding boot camps for rapid entry.
3. School Teacher
Why it’s hot: Education continues to be a cornerstone of South Australia’s growth, with teachers needed to shape future generations across primary and high school levels.
How to train: A Bachelor of Education or a Graduate Diploma for those switching careers into teaching.
4. Registered Nurse
Why it’s hot: South Australia’s largest employing industry is health care, and registered nurses play a critical role in meeting the needs of both ageing communities and growing populations.
How to train: Bachelor of Nursing or pathways to upskill for enrolled nurses with Diploma of Nursing.
5. Aged and Disabled Carer
Why it’s hot: Helping people age with dignity or supporting individuals with disability is a growing field, particularly with increased demand in regional areas. It’s rewarding work, offering flexible hours and meaningful connections.
How to train: Certificate III in Individual Support.
6. Metal Fitter and Machinist
Why it’s hot: Defence manufacturing, including the AUKUS submarine project, is driving demand for skilled trades in precision engineering.
How to train: Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade through an apprenticeship.
7. Electrician
Why it’s hot: Essential for everything from homes to renewable energy projects, electricians are among the most sought-after tradespeople in South Australia.
How to train: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician through an apprenticeship.
8. Construction Manager
Why it’s hot: Overseeing major infrastructure projects like the North-South Corridor means construction managers are vital to ensuring everything runs smoothly.
How to train: Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) or a related degree.
9. Carpenter
Why it’s hot: Public and residential construction is booming, and carpenters are key to building South Australia’s future.
How to train: Certificate III in Carpentry, through an apprenticeship.
What are SA’s key industries?
South Australia’s economy is fuelled by dynamic, high-growth industries creating big career opportunities. The Jobs and Skills Outlook 2024 highlights key sectors and the roles that are driving their expansion, including:
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing: The backbone of South Australia’s regional economy, this sector is embracing innovation with automation, biotechnology, and sustainable practices. Key roles include crop farmers, livestock farmers, and agricultural scientists.
Construction: Supporting over 77,000 jobs, this sector underpins housing construction activities as well as major infrastructure projects like the North-South Corridor and hydrogen energy facilities. In-demand positions include civil engineers, building tradespeople and technicians.
Defence and Manufacturing: Long-term projects like the AUKUS submarines are driving demand for structural steel workers, welders, production managers, and engineers skilled in advanced manufacturing.
Digital, Technology, and Cybersecurity: South Australia’s thriving tech hub has created roles for cybersecurity specialists, ICT managers, and support technicians, alongside growing demand in emerging fields like AI and robotics.
Education and Training: The growing demand for advanced vocational education and training and inclusive education means opportunities beyond traditional teaching roles, including vocational trainers and assessors, student services officers, and special education teachers.
Health and Care: The largest employing industry in the state continues to grow rapidly. Allied health professionals, psychologists and GPs are all in demand to meet evolving community needs.
Renewable Energy and Hydrogen: This sector’s focus on clean energy solutions has created demand for industrial engineers, environmental health professionals, and energy system technicians.
Resources: This industry serves a pivotal role in our move to Net Zero and requires a diverse range of skills, including mining engineers, geologists and metallurgists, to ensure we have resources such as copper, silver and graphite for electrification and renewable energy technologies.
Where to start your career journey
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re excited about the roles listed above or want to explore something totally different, South Australia’s opportunities are as varied as your interests.
Whether you’re starting fresh, switching fields, or planning your next career move, the My Training | My career website is the ultimate guide to building a future in South Australia.
Here’s what you’ll find on the site:
- Industry snapshots: Explore South Australia’s fastest-growing sectors and find out what roles they’re looking for.
- Training pathways: From apprenticeships to university degrees, learn about the education and training options to suit your career goals.
- Financial support: Discover subsidies, scholarships, and funding opportunities to make training affordable and accessible.
- Job market insights: Stay updated on the latest trends and predictions for South Australia’s workforce.
- Career tools: Use interactive features to map out your path, identify skill gaps, and plan for your future.
For more information, take a look at the full Jobs and Skills Outlook 2024 report here.
