Education & Training

The education sector in Australia and New Zealand is made up of a diverse range of institutions, including higher education/tertiary; schools; vocational education and training colleges; private and industry-based education and training organisations; and adult community education (ACE). People working in the sector often move to it from other industries, and vice versa.

The work

The main occupation pathways in the education industry are school teachers, special education teachers, VET lecturers and university lecturers. In the 10 years to May 2007, employment in education rose by 166,100 (28.7 per cent) to 744,700 (www.skillsinfo.gov.au). Employment growth in the industry is influenced by a range of factors, such as the number of school-age children in the population, school retention rates and government policy.

Employment growth for the education industry is expected to be moderate for the next five years, according to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Nevertheless, due to the increase in retirement rates among current teachers in the next few years, there is still expected to be a strong demand for new teaching graduates, particularly in areas where there are already shortages, such as Science and Mathematics. There are a range of government initiatives, at both the federal and state level, to attract Science and Mathematics graduates into teaching, such as awards, scholarships and HECS assistance (see the NSW Department of Education & Training profile in this directory).

The shift to a knowledge-based economy is resulting in a surge in demand for adult education and training. With life-long learning now the mantra, much of the growth in educational services is expected to occur in online learning.

What you need

A variety of general skills and aptitudes are required to work in education, with specific competencies required for particular sectors. Creativity, organisational and administrative skills, a good understanding of your subject areas, and sound interpersonal and communication skills are all important for a career in teaching.

Sector requirements

School teaching: Requires a bachelor degree in education from a tertiary institution or a relevant bachelor degree and a diploma of teaching.

Special education: Requires a degree in teaching specialising in special education, or a one-year postgraduate qualification.

VET or ACE: Usually requires some formal teacher training and work experience in a given industry.

Higher education/tertiary: Employment in the university sector usually requires a high level of academic performance at undergraduate level, postgraduate degree qualifications, and an aptitude for, and interest in, research.

Money matters

In 2006, the middle 50 per cent of salaries were:

  • Pre-primary school teachers $28,000-42 000
  • Primary school teachers $40,000-46 500
  • Secondary school teachers $41,000-47 621
  • Special education teachers $38,000-50 000
  • ESL Teachers $25 250-$43 000

See www.gradsonline.com.au for current salary information.

Figures from Australian Graduate Survey 2006.

Significant stats
  • Education is the sixth largest industry in Australia, employing more than 744,000
  • (7.2 per cent of total work force) at May 2007.
  • More than two-thirds of those working in the education sector are female.
  • More than 173,000 people are employed in post-school education.

Source: except where indicated, figures from www.skillsinfo.gov.au and “Australian Jobs 2007”, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.