As 2024 unfolds, and a new generation of university students prepares to begin the third stage of their formal education, thoughts about what the workforce may look like in 2030 are already shaping degree choices and study pathways.
Experts from Central Queensland University have highlighted the prevalence of two growing fields for a future sustainable career: environmental sciences and health.
Environmental sciences look set to boom as the world transitions into an economy that considers the sustainability of the environment, while demand for health sector professionals will grow along with the aging population.
The advent of AI, however, will profoundly affect work opportunities within both industries.
Projected jobs for the ‘new green economy’
Environmental sciences
- Bush regeneration specialist – a job working with primary producers to improve properties’ climate resilience and diversity and with local governments on sustaining native flora and fauna. Degree: Bachelor of Environmental Science.
- Carbon accountant/ Carbon scientist – Carbon capture and credits are increasingly becoming a major part of the world’s economy. Central Queensland adjunct Lecturer Dr Thakur Bhattarai says there is a huge and growing demand for technical experts across the carbon economy. Degree: Graduate Diploma in Energy and Carbon Studies.
- Sustainability entrepreneur – While climate change is a global issue, there is a growing interest among small businesses and consumers to minimise the harm they do to the environment. Examples can include selling recycled crafts. Degree: Certificate IV in Social Enterprise.
- Laboratory technician – Since the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratories have become increasingly busy. But beyond human health, marine conservation, soil improvement, sustainable waste management, animal health, ecological research, and many other green initiatives rely on dedicated laboratory teams. Degree: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.
- Agri-tech innovator – Climate change will continue to pressure the environment, meaning the industry will need to evolve quickly over the coming years. Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management.
- Solar electrician – despite the sting of soaring electricity bills, only one in four Australian households have solar panels. More and more businesses rely on solar to mitigate their electricity bills, and many more will in the future. Degree: Bachelor of Electrical Engineering.
- Sustainability consultant – Many big businesses want to be more sustainable and market their sustainability. Degree: Bachelor of Environmental Science.
- Mechanical engineer/ Electrical engineer – Engineers will be essential in helping create and maintain the next generation of energy production. Diverse opportunities include wind farm design, solar and geothermal project development, and many emerging clean energy technologies. Degree: Bachelor of Engineering.
- Marine researcher – climate change will dramatically challenge the world’s oceans. The next generation of marine biologists will have their work cut out in protecting them. Degree: Bachelor of Biology.
- Emergency responder – As the climate changes, countries around the world will likely witness more frequent disasters. First responders will be essential in serving their communities. Degree: Master of Emergency and Disaster Management.
Tech-driven health innovation
The world’s changing climate, as well as ever-evolving technological advances, will also impact the health sector.
Dr Ashlyn Sahay is a health workforce researcher and senior lecturer at CQUniversity Australia’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences and has more than 15 years of experience in the healthcare sector. She says the future of the health industry will be affected by advancements in technologies, an ageing workforce, as well as shifts in consumer preferences (such as demands for certain goods and services, and global economic influences such as trade agreements, political instability, recessions, redundancies, and policy).
“Based on current trends in healthcare and ageing, we see the most in-demand jobs are for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and technology professionals,” she told EducationDaily.
“Due to advances in medicine, health, and well-being research, we are seeing more evidence-based practice in our healthcare. Therefore, with growing populations and ageing societies, we are seeing an increased demand for nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists, assistant-in-nursing, aged and disability care workers, and allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.”
The current average age of aged and disability care workers is 47 years, according to Australian Labour Market Insights, and Dr Sahay says the data also shows the average age for an Australian GP is 51.6 years, with the average are for nurses’ sitting at 42.5 years, dentists at 42.6 years and midwives at 46.2 years.
She told EducationDaily that, in 10 years, we will likely see an increasingly aged workforce.
“While we are beginning to see more younger people entering the profession, we still need more people entering the health workforce to meet the increased demands for healthcare, ageing and dental services,” she says.
“Healthcare executives are also in demand to manage and lead the complex healthcare and aged care systems. Technology professionals are also in demand in healthcare due to the advancements in AI, automation, data science and analytics.”
Three significant changes students could expect to see in the healthcare industry
- Skill specialisation – almost all the above jobs require specialised skills and extensive education, creating a limited talent pool and increasing wages. The more specialised you become in your field, the higher your demands and subsequent wages, which is why surgeons and anaesthetists are two of the highest-paying jobs in healthcare. The extensive education required, combined with the critical nature of their work put them in a high salary bracket.
- Technology dependence – Technology is becoming vital to healthcare operations, for digital record keeping, cyber security, breaking geographical barriers and access through Telehealth services, and everyday administration. Professionals with expertise in the safe development and application of technology would also leverage higher salaries due to the extensive responsibility of maintaining the technology infrastructure.
- Growing demand and limited supply – due to faster job growth than talent availability in the above fields, employers will compete for skilled workers, leading to higher salaries.
But Dr Sahay says choosing a profession comes down to personal choice for young people.
“Choosing a career path after high school is an important decision-making time,” she told EducationDaily. “Identify the motivators for joining a profession – these may include high salary, personal interests, experiences or inspirations. Nursing, in particular, is most in demand across various settings and offers diverse specialisations, which also allows you to travel the world and practice your profession.”
Dr Sahay recommends young people attend career fairs or counselling before making big decisions about the educational pathways that lead to particular career opportunities.
“Connect with people in the profession you want to know more about, shadow them and talk to them to gain multiple insights into the nature of the program, research the job descriptions, and the educational requirements,” she says.
“Sometimes we can easily be influenced by what we watch on TV, but you need to remember that TV paints careers with a glossy coat of drama and excitement, so the daily routines of many professions can be much less glamorous. So, when choosing your career, connect with people in the professions that interest you and learn firsthand the reality of different professions to determine the one that truly resonates with you.”
