VET Courses vs. Higher Education: Choosing the Right Path
Published 23 Jan 2024
The Best Jobs for a Career Change in Australia
Michael Yi 
Explore the best job options for a career change in Australia! This blog provides insights into lucrative and fulfilling industries for a fresh start.
Are you feeling stuck in a dead-end job or just craving a career change? You’re not alone. Whether driven by dissatisfaction in your current job or the desire for financial stability, deciding to switch careers can be intimidating and overwhelming.
But fear not! Australia has plenty of opportunities if you’re looking to make a fresh start. In this article, we’ll go through some of the best jobs for a career change in Australia and provide valuable insights on how to successfully transition into a new industry.
Career changes in Australia and the growing job market
In Australia, career changes are becoming increasingly common. Research indicates that majority of people change careers at least once in their lives, with an average of 3-7 career transitions. Surprisingly, in a LinkedIn survey, 59% of Australians are planning on changing employers this year, with 56% confident they can find a new job. These statistics emphasise the numerous opportunities and eagerness of individuals looking to shift into different positions within the Australian job market.
The top industries and jobs for career changes
As the job market continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to change their career paths and venture into new fields. Fortunately, there are many career opportunities in high-demand industries.
Technology/IT
- Cyber security analyst: This role is perfect for those who have a keen analytical mind, strong technical skills, and an ongoing passion for learning about evolving threats and technologies. In Australia, the average cyber security analyst salary is $80,000.
- We recommend a qualification in cyber security to get started in this career.
- Network administrator: This role is ideal for those interested in configuring and maintaining computer networks, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and implementing security measures. In Australia, the average network administrator salary is $75,000.
- We recommend a certificate in network administration to get started in this career.
- Web developer: This role is great for those who enjoy being creative in designing and building websites using coding. In Australia, the average web developer salary is $65,000.
- We recommend a certificate course in web development to get started in this career.
Healthcare
- Nursing assistant: You’ll find this role fulfilling if you’re compassionate, empathetic, and have a genuine desire to help others often. In Australia, The average nursing assistant salary is $60,000.
- We recommend a certificate in health services to get started in this career.
- Dental assistant: This role is suited for those who are detail-oriented, organised, and have a strong interest in oral health. In Australia, the average dental assistant salary is $60,000.
- We recommend a certificate in dental assisting to get started in this career.
- Pharmacy technician: This role is perfect for those interested in assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service. In Australia, the average pharmacy technician salary is $60,000.
- We recommend a certificate in health to get started in this career.
Finance and business analysis
- Financial planner: This role is great for those who enjoy helping others plan for their financial goals, possess knowledge of investment strategies, and can navigate the complexities of financial markets. In Australia, The average financial planner salary is $90,000.
- We recommend a qualification in finance to get started in this career.
- Business analyst: This role is ideal for those who thrive on solving complex business problems and collaborating with various stakeholders to make data-driven recommendations. In Australia, the average business analyst salary is $85,000.
- We recommend a certificate in business to get started in this career.
- Data analyst: This role is perfect for those with a passion in interpreting and deriving insights from data. In Australia, the average data analyst salary is $75,000.
- We recommend a qualification in data analysis to get started in this career.
Education and training
- Early childhood educator: This role is great for those who have a genuine passion for creating a positive and stimulating learning environment, fostering the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. In Australia, the average early childhood educator salary is $60,000.
- We recommend a qualification in early childhood education to get started in this career.
- Vocational trainer: This role is perfect for those who have a passion in educating those who are looking to get a specific job or trade. In Australia, the average vocational trainer salary is $70,000.
- We recommend a certificate in training and assessment to get started in this career
- Teacher’s aide: This role is great for those who would enjoy assisting classroom teachers in various tasks, such as providing additional help to students, managing classroom activities, and offering support to students with diverse learning needs. In Australia, the average teacher’s aide salary is $60,000.
- We recommend a certificate in school based education support to get started in this career.
The importance of continuous learning and upskilling in a new career
In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to continually learn and upskill to succeed in a new career. With advancements in technology and evolving consumer trends, industries are continuously changing, and staying up to date is crucial. Employers look for candidates who possess the skills to adapt to dynamic work environments and can handle new challenges.
By investing time and resources in continuous learning and upskilling, you can better position yourself for career growth and development. Seeking out training programs, attending professional development seminars, and networking with peers can all contribute to building a robust skill set and keeping your knowledge current.
For those considering a career change in Australia, there are a number of opportunities available across a range of industries. With a growing and diversifying economy, there’s a constant demand for skilled workers in industries such as IT, healthcare, business, and education.
Taking the leap towards a new career can be daunting, but the potential rewards and support available make it a viable option for those seeking a change.
Find a course today
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Top Result
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only) CHC50121
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Early Childhood Coordinator +6
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (VIC Only) CHC33021
Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) qualification reflects the role of workers in the community and/or residential setting who follow an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support due to ageing,...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Personal Care Worker +3
Diploma of Nursing (SA Only) HLT54115
Build a career that’s meaningful, fills you with a sense of purpose, and provides diverse job opportunities, with this Diploma of Nursing course. Offered via a blend of on-campus and online learning the HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing is the ideal starting...
in partnership with
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia
Job Outcomes Enrolled Nurse
in partnership with
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC40110
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Job Outcomes Site manager +3
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC50210
Prepare for registration as a Builder with the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210) Gain the skills & knowledge to run your own business Study when it suits you – online & on campus options available...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +4
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
This course covers common skills for the plumbing industry as well as specialist streams relevant to gasfitting, drainage, sewerage, roof drainage and more....
Study Method In-class
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Carpenters +1
Building Leadership Programme (VIC ONLY) CPC40110 ,CPC502110
BAA is proudly partnered with Victoria University to offer our students higher education opportunities. Whether students are after an alternative way to gain entry into a degree, or simply want to try out a study path so they can confirm their longer-t...
Study Method In-class
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +5
Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
Australia’s first Bachelor of Dance Education! Delivered through ACPE, this is a specialist professional qualification that is unique in Australia. Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowle...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance teacher (secondary sch... +4
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
If you’re keen to pursue a career in physical and health education, the Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) will provide you with the graduate qualification to become a PDHPE teacher. Based on the Graduate Outcome Survey 2021, ACPE wa...
Study Method Blended
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes PDHPE secondary teacher +4
Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Sport manager +4
Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational and organisational skills for...
Study Method In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance artist (company dancer... +9
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Exercise scientist +4
Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Director of coaching +5
Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only) CHC32015
The Certificate III in Community Services is perfect for entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or suppor...
Study Method In-class
Location Perth Western Australia
Job Outcomes Community Support Worker +3
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (VIC Only) CHC43015
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015) reflects the role of support workers who complete specialised tasks and functions in aged services; either in residential, home or community based environments. Workers will take responsibility for their own...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Care Team Leader in Aged Car... +3
Certificate III in Fitness SIS30321
Looking to begin your career in the fitness industry? The Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) is the minimum qualification required to commence working as a qualified Gym Instructor or Group Exercise Instructor. Not everyone prefers to learn in the s...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Personal Trainer Course SIS30321, SIS40221
Join the fitness industry as a personal trainer and feel the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in people’s lives. Becoming a personal trainer can be very rewarding and having the flexibility of being your own boss and choosing your ow...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221
Have you been working in the fitness industry as a gym instructor and now want to become a Personal Trainer? Taking the next step to gain the higher qualification will open up an array of career possibilities not currently available when holding only t...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
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