Australian Jobs 2021
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
Annual Employment Growth (%)
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services is a relatively small employing industry, accounting for around 1% of Australian jobs. This industry covers electricity supply, generation, transmission and distribution, gas supply, water supply as well as sewerage and waste disposal.
The electricity supply sector is responsible for the generation of electricity as well as its transmission and distribution. It is also responsible for arranging the sale of electricity via power distribution systems operated by others. With around 90% of national energy currently coming from the burning of fossil fuels, employment opportunities will exist moving forward as the industry identifies ways which will allow Australians to produce more of its electricity from renewable sources.
Top employing occupations
| Occupation | This industry | All industries |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Drivers | 10,600 | 160,500 |
| Electricians | 8,300 | 175,900 |
| Electrical Engineers | 6,000 | 29,100 |
| Electrical Distribution Trades Workers | 5,500 | 5,600 |
| Contract, Program and Project Administrators | 4,100 | 123,000 |
| Building and Plumbing Labourers | 3,400 | 63,200 |
| Other Specialist Managers | 3,300 | 52,200 |
| Plumbers | 3,300 | 84,600 |
| Other Stationary Plant Operators | 3,200 | 20,100 |
| Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators | 3,200 | 10,600 |
| Metal Fitters and Machinists | 3,200 | 106,000 |
| Other Factory Process Workers | 2,900 | 14,800 |
| ICT Managers | 2,800 | 84,400 |
| General Clerks | 2,800 | 311,200 |
| Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers | 2,400 | 156,500 |
| Other Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers | 2,400 | 76,800 |
| Other Building and Engineering Technicians | 2,300 | 35,100 |
| Information Officers | 2,300 | 88,300 |
| Office Managers | 2,200 | 115,900 |
| Software and Applications Programmers | 2,200 | 150,700 |
This industry has a highly skilled workforce, with nearly three quarters of the workforce having a post-school qualification (78%). The VET sector is the main training pathway and entry into this industry is predominantly though the completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.