Best Industries in WA to Secure Work

Deciding on a career path or even looking for a change can be an overwhelming process. Thankfully there are plenty of job options in Perth. Explore WA's top hiring industries to find a future filled with job security, growth, and opportunity.

Health Care and Social Assistance

Thriving as WA's top employer with over 190,000 workers, the Healthcare and Social Assistance industry is projected to add another 30,000 jobs in the next five years – a massive 15% growth.[1] This expansion creates a wealth of opportunities in roles that are desperately seeking qualified individuals, including:

• Aged Care Workers: Ensure the wellbeing and independence of seniors in residential care facilities or their homes.
• Childcare Workers: Nurture and educate young children in a stimulating and safe environment.
• Disability Support Workers: Assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their full potential and living fulfilling lives.
• Social Workers: Provide crucial support and guidance to individuals and families facing challenges.
• Carers: Offer compassionate care and assistance to those in need, across various settings like hospitals, aged care facilities, and homes.

The state government is actively supporting this sector, making it easier than ever to join the workforce. Initiatives like reduced course fees, pre-employment training programs, and free job ready skill sets are lowering entry barriers, attracting both new graduates and those seeking a career change.

Mining

Western Australia's mining industry is no stranger to opportunity. It's a lucrative sector, consistently topping the charts for wages in the state.

Benefits of working in the mines include:

• Top Dollar: Mining offers some of the highest earning potential in WA, providing a strong financial foundation for your future.

• Career Progression: The industry encourages growth and advancement, with plenty of opportunities to climb the ladder.

• FIFO Lifestyle: Certain roles involve fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) arrangements, this can lead to a great work-life balance.

Accessible Entry Points:

Start Strong: Some entry-level mining positions require only basic labourer or trades skills, making mining a viable option for various backgrounds.

Learn and Earn: Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain valuable on-the-job experience while earning a qualification.

Variety of Roles: The mining sector offers a wide range of positions beyond traditional mining, including transport and logistics, cleaning, food preparation, administration, and more.

Construction and Trades

There's never been a better time to build your future in WA's thriving construction and trades industry. With the state government investing a massive $45 billion to bolster the workforce [2], and a surging demand for housing exceeding the current skilled worker pool, opportunities are endless. Landing a job in WA construction or trades sets you up for success, offering:

• High Earning Potential: Construction offers competitive salaries in WA, with some skilled trades ranking among the state's highest-paying sectors.
• Job Security and Stability: With ongoing infrastructure projects and a housing boom, the demand for skilled workers is strong.
• Variety and Flexibility: Explore diverse trade specialties, and the ability to move between projects or even work independently.

The best way to start your career in construction or trades is through an apprenticeship or certification. Speak to your Workskil Australia Employment Coach who can help you navigate this process and start your new career.

Retail

The WA retail industry offers a dynamic and accessible career path for those who thrive in fast-paced environments. Ranked as the 3rd largest employer in the state, retail provides a vast array of exciting opportunities, from cashiers and customer service representatives to fashion stylists and beauty consultants. Retail roles allow you to develop valuable customer service skills, gain experience in a vibrant setting, and explore various career paths within the sector.

The retail industry is no stranger to growth, with WA contributing significantly to Australia's annual retail turnover, reaching a staggering $47 billion in 2023 – a $2 billion increase from the previous year[3]. Whether you're passionate about fashion, enjoy technology, or have a knack for sales, there's a retail role in WA waiting for you.

Hospitality

Thriving alongside the state's successful tourism industry, Western Australia's hospitality sector offers a vibrant and welcoming work environment. From restaurants and trendy cafes to hotels and exciting tourist destinations, hospitality boasts diverse roles for individuals who excel at customer service, communication, and creating unforgettable experiences.

The hospitality industry allows you to hone valuable transferable skills like teamwork and problem-solving all while interacting with people from around the world. Whether you're a culinary whiz, a service superstar, or crave a fast-paced environment, Perth's hospitality sector offers exciting career paths with excellent growth potential. Kickstart your hospitality career in WA and explore the diverse opportunities.

Transport and Logistics

WA's economy is fueled by a robust transport and logistics network, and demand is on the rise. This dynamic industry offers a vast array of exciting opportunities, from truck driver jobs in WA keeping supermarket shelves stocked to warehouse roles in Perth ensuring accurate inventory control and efficient order fulfillment. The e-commerce boom has further amplified this demand, creating plenty of entry-level positions perfect for new entrants to the workforce, like courier jobs and delivery driver roles.

Whether you crave the open road or prefer keeping things moving behind the scenes, there's a role waiting for you in WA's transport and logistics industry. The industry rewards hard work with competitive salaries and the chance to progress, all while contributing to WA's thriving economy.

Kick-start your career in WA with Workskil Australia.

Looking to break into one of WA's exciting industries? Workskil Australia can help. Our dedicated team of Employment Coaches have a proven track record, assisting hundreds of job seekers like you find the perfect fit every year.

Not sure where to begin?

Workskil Australia offers guidance every step of the way, from initial career exploration to securing your ideal role. We leverage our dynamic employer network to connect you with the right opportunities and ensure a smooth transition into your chosen field.

Ready to take the first step?

Speak to your Workskil Australia Employment Coach today or Contact us today and let's get your WA career rolling!

References

[1] Government of Western Australia Department of Training and Workforce Development, 27 May 2022, “Actions to build future social assistance and allied health workforce” https://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/whats-new/actions-to-build-future-social-assistance-and-allied-health-workforce

[2] Government of Western Australia’s Department for Training and Workforce Development, 30 April 2023, “Boosting WA’s building and construction industry through skilled migration”, https://migration.wa.gov.au/news/boosting-was-building-construction-industry-through-skilled-migration

[3] Statista, January 2024, “Annual retail turnover in Western Australia from 2004 – 2023” https://www.statista.com/statistics/653713/australia-annual-retail-turnover-wa/