Understanding the Townsville jobs market
The Townsville jobs market
Labour market conditions in Townsville are currently soft[1].
· The unemployment rate has risen by 1.6percentage points over the past 12months to stand at 10.4per cent.
· The average duration of unemployment has increased over the same period, from 35 weeks to 38 weeks.
· Over the year, the participation rate has fallen from 66.4 per cent to 59.7percent.
Where are the opportunities?
· Townsville has a diverse labour market with Health Care and Social Assistance being the largest industry followed by Retail Trade and Education and Training[2].
· Employment in the Townsville area is projected to increase by around 4,000new jobs in the five years to November 2020[3].
· Many new jobs will be in the Health Care and Social Assistance (1,700 jobs), Education and Training (1,400) and the Public Administration and Safety (700) industries.
· Job turnover, however, creates many more opportunities for job seekers.
· Job turnover is highest in the Accommodation and Food Services and Retail Trade industries.
Many vacancies are not formally advertised[4]
Two out of five employers advertising vacancies in Townsville used informal methods of recruitment only.
· Employers with vacancies for lower skilled jobs were more likely to use word of mouth or rely on job seekers approaching them directly.
· Job seekers using these methods encounter less competition than those applying for jobs through formal methods such as the internet or newspapers.
Formal methods of recruitment were used by 60 per cent of employers, with the internet or newspaper being the most commonly used methods:
· Those recruiting for higher skilled jobs were more likely to use formal methods, although more than half of employers recruiting for lower skilled jobs also used these methods.
· Competition for vacancies is strong in Townsville. There is an average of 23applicants per vacancy for jobs advertised on the internet or in newspapers. Of these, an average of four applicants were interviewed.
Employer advice for retrenched job seekers[5]
The transition to a new job can be difficult and uncertain for many retrenched workers. Below is advice from employers to help retrenched workers in their job search.
Retrenched workers should focus on:
· broadening their skill set, so retraining could be required.
· tailoring their application and résumé to the job and demonstrating their strengths.
· highlighting transferable skills to sell themselves to employers.
· considering trying a different job to broaden the potential opportunities.
· acting quickly.
· being positive and enthusiastic.
Employer advice for mature age job seekers[6]
Looking for a job and being mature aged can present a range of unique challenges, even with a history of work experience. Below is advice from employers to help mature aged job seekers enhance their job search skills.
· Identify their strengths (experience, skills and personal traits).
· Apply for jobs that complement their skills and experience.
· Expand their job search and approach employers directly to introduce themselves.
· Do not undersell their skills and strengths and have the confidence to know their skills are transferable.
For more information, visit the What’s Next website and the Labour Market Information Portal.
[1] ABS, Labour Force, March 2016 (three month and annual average data). Note: Data for Townsville are volatile and should be used with caution.
[2] ABS, Labour Force, February quarter 2016.
[3] Department of Employment, Regional employment projections, 2016.
[4] In February 2016, the Department of Employment surveyed employers in the Townsville area as part of the Survey of Employers’ Recruitment Experiences.
[5] Department of Employment, Employer advice to workers facing retrenchment, www.lmip.gov.au
[6] Department of Employment, Employers’ tips for mature age job seekers, www.lmip.gov.au