Are you thinking about retraining to make a career change in Australia? Whether you’re chasing a passion, better pay, or a fresh start, it’s an exciting move.
Australia has an excellent education system, including government-funded training programs such as TAFE and VET to make your transition smooth and keep costs down.
As industries like healthcare, trades, and tech are booming, there are heaps of stable and fulfilling options for you to explore.
In this guide, we at Remitly will walk you through assessing skills, setting goals, choosing training, and staying motivated, all while balancing work and life. Whether you’re seeking low-stress work or long-term progression, retraining can help you create the professional life you are looking to achieve.
Understanding why you may need to change careers
Deciding to switch careers is a big decision, and understanding the “why” behind your need to change is key to making this endeavor worthwhile. Here are some reasons to consider when thinking of making a career change:
- Boredom and burnout: If you’re doing your best but still feel uninspired or knackered, you could change jobs and reignite your motivation.
- Lack of growth: You may feel stuck in a dead-end job without chances for career advancement. Lack of growth is a sign you may need to change careers.
- Insufficient pay: If your salary doesn’t match the skills and effort you’re putting in, that’s a valid reason to try something else.
- Need for flexibility: Sometimes, other life responsibilities take precedence over your current job. For example, you may want more flexibility or shorter working hours to spend time with family or focus on your health, which may require a change of work.
- Industry changes: With the rapid technological changes we see today, some industries, like manufacturing or retail, are being forced to cope, rendering some roles obsolete. These shifts in the job market are motivating many professionals to reskill for a more future-proof career.
- Passion/calling: If you are feeling unfulfilled at your current job, even if it pays well, it may be time to switch to something that aligns with your passion.
Assessing your current skills and interests
Retraining for a career change will be easier if you understand your current skills and interests. What strengths have you built over the years? Take stock of your hard and soft skills, and make a list of everything you’ve done throughout your career.
From there, align your skills with your interests. Make a list of what you’re good at and what keeps you motivated. Finding where your skills and interests intersect will give you a clearer picture of the career pivot that makes sense for you.
Setting new career goals
After assessing your skills and interests, you can set informed career goals that fit your aspirations.
Envision where you will be in the long term. Is it running a business? Holding a leading role in a company? Or working in the outback? Dream big. Tie that long-term vision to your passion.
Once you have the big picture in focus, you can break it down to short-term goals of six months to two years. This could look like building a network, completing a course, or landing an entry-level gig in your dream industry—small achievements that will add up and steer you towards your ultimate goal.
Study or train for a new career
If your career switch requires going back to school, you’re in a great place to do so. Australia has a world-class education system with a friendly environment conducive to learning, whether you’re looking for a short course, vocational training, or a university degree.
Educational opportunities in Australia
TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes are ideal for practical skills like carpentry, plumbing, IT, or hospitality. These courses take anywhere from a few months to a few years and are often more affordable than universities.
If a degree is what you need, Australia is home to over 40 universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Globally recognised universities like the University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales are renowned for excellence in technology, engineering, and medicine.
VET (Vocational Education and Training) is a job-focused qualification that offers a quick way to retrain for a career change. TAFE institutes and private colleges usually offer VET and include certificates in aged care or diplomas in business or trades.
Balancing education with current work or lifestyle
Juggling education with a job and personal life may seem daunting, but it can actually be fun and exciting. With good planning, you’ll be able to balance your responsibilities without compromising your well-being.
First, assess your current load: working hours, lifestyle, and energy levels. Getting a handle on your commitments will help you pick the right study option—whether part-time, online, or evening courses.
Effective time management is crucial to successfully balancing work with studies. Carve out study time by setting schedules, using dead time, or sacrificing a night out for your career glow-up.
Your current employer may also be able to help. Talk to your boss and ask if you can explore options like part-time work or a study leave.
Programs to help you change careers
You can easily find programs to help your career switch if you know the right places to look. Here are a few to get you started.
Government-funded programs
Skills for Education and Employment
Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) is a free training program for in-demand jobs, such as aged care, construction, or IT. Eligibility varies by state, but anyone keen to upskill should consider this program.
Fee-Free TAFE
As the name suggests, Fee-Free TAFE offers free courses in priority areas such as defense, agriculture, care, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and tourism, available to local residents who meet the criteria. TAFE is practical and affordable, and it tends to offer online and after-hours classes, as well as financial support.
Australian Apprenticeships
These paid training programs for trades or traineeships take from one to four years. They are open to people of all ages and are available at Australian Apprenticeships or Seek.
Private programs
Associated Career Management Australia (ACMA)
ACMA provides tailored career change programs through its unique online “Career Talk” system, allowing clients to work with career consultants remotely from anywhere in Australia or overseas. The program emphasises research-based career transitions that align personal values, transferable skills, and market opportunities.
FlexCareers
FlexCareers connects individuals with flexible job opportunities and offers unique career switch programs with progressive employers to ease the transition to a new career.
Online learning
Online learning provides flexibility and convenience as you change careers. Platforms providing these services include General Assembly (tech-specific), OpenLearning, TAFE Online, JobTrainer, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.
Understanding market demand and job trends in Australia
To successfully navigate a career change in Australia, it’s crucial to understand the current job market and trends.
Employment landscape
The unemployment rate sits at around 4.0-4.2%. It’s low by historical standards, but there’s talk it might nudge up to 4.5% by year’s end if economic growth stays sluggish. Still, that’s tight enough to keep employers hunting for talent.
Job vacancies are down from their post-COVID peak, but unfilled roles remain high, particularly in healthcare, tech, and engineering.
Growing and declining sectors
The public sector and non-market industries carry most of the growth, making up over 80% of job gains in 2024. The private sector is quieter, with some areas like manufacturing and finance shedding jobs.
AI and automation are on the rise. By 2027, AI is predicted to handle 42% of tasks, eliminating repetitive work like data entry and raising the need for technological expertise. It’s a good time to upskill in cloud computing or Python.
These days, remote or hybrid options are offered in more than 40% of job ads, making soft skills like adaptability and digital communications highly valuable.
Full-time job growth has slowed down, and part-time roles are where new jobs are popping up, especially in retail and hospitality, as cost-of-living pressures ease.
High-skill roles, e.g. engineers, nurses, and IT professionals, still face shortages, while lower-skill recruitment is easing. This is particularly true of regional areas like Queensland and Western Australia.
Tips for financial planning and stability
Financial planning and stability are critical when changing careers in Australia to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some tips for you to keep in mind
1. Lock down your financial baseline
Have a clear picture of your income and expenses to avoid unpleasant surprises.
2. Forecast transition costs
Forecast the amount it will take to pay for training and how study time may affect your income. The objective is to budget for the career change without straining financially.
3. Boost stability with funding options
Check out for subsidies, loans, or government support to help fund your studies. This will help cut costs and shore up income.
4. Stabilise cash flow
Stabilise your cash flow by adjusting budgets downwards and creating a savings strategy to keep money flowing during the career change.
5. Prepare for risks
Prepare for risks such as job loss, health problems, or cost spikes by creating buffers like an emergency fund. This will act as a safety net so you can face uncertainties with peace of mind.
6. Weigh long-term gains
Compare your current salary against your new trajectory to confirm the change pays off.
Overcoming challenges and staying motivated
A career change comes with challenges. Take them as an opportunity to learn and build resilience.
Common challenges
- Time crunch: Balancing work, study, and life responsibilities can make you feel like there is simply not enough time in the day. Tackle time crunch by prioritising, delegating, or using tools like Trello to organise your load.
- Money worries: So that the potential cost of courses doesn’t dry up your pockets, look into funding, get a side hustle, or trim your budget to get by comfortably.
- Burnout and fatigue: To ensure burnout and fatigue don’t get you down as you work towards your goals, take rest breaks, reward yourself, or scale back to re-energise.
Staying motivated
- Remember why you started: Stick to the reason you began this journey and remind yourself constantly.
- Celebrate small wins: Pick milestones and a reward for each once it is achieved. Ensure you reach them to feel the satisfaction.
- Build a fanbase: Inform a trustworthy friend of your decision and ask them to help you monitor your progress. Surrounding yourself with “fans” gives you a sense of expectation.
- Track progress: Start a progress log and list what you’ve done. Use a notebook or Notion to tick off short-term goals or objectives. Watching yourself go from win to win revitalises the spirit.
Seeking professional career advice and guidance
Seeking the advice and guidance of a professional gives you a roadmap and clarity in every step of your career change.
Check Jobs and Skills Centres for free one-on-one advice on jobs, training, and resumes. You can also try MyFuture for online career insights and quizzes. For a paid option, you can hire a coach on Seek.
FAQs
What are the most in-demand opportunities for a career change in Australia?
Some of the most in-demand opportunities are in nursing, aged care, plumbing, carpentry, teaching, digital marketing, and cybersecurity.
What are some tips for changing careers at 40, 50, or 60+?
Changing careers at 40, 50, or 60+ years old is possible. For stable careers with growth in Australia, tap into booming sectors. Nursing offers job security and progression, while renewable energy technicians ride the green wave. You can also give remote work a shot if you prefer a quiet vibe with flexible hours.
How can I find ideal courses for career change retraining in Australia?
You can find the ideal courses by visiting platforms such as TAFE, Open Universities Australia, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning.
How long does it take to retrain for a career change in Australia?
The length of time it takes to retrain can vary depending on the course you take. Some courses can take as little as 6 to 12 months while others can last for up to 4 years.