Growth for Geelong's job economy
1381 regional jobs were loaded onto Geelong Careers in March 2021, almost double the 747 jobs from March last year, recorded just as Covid began to impact, and even higher than the 2019 March totals, a period completely pandemic unaffected. This dramatic growth continues a trend started in September last year, when jobs in the region began to increase in unprecedented ways. Job numbers in both February and March this year were double those in the same period last year! Here at Geelong Careers, we believe this growth reflect a series of social responses to Covid 19. In the regions we observe an influx of former capital city dwellers who now recognise the real possibility of working from home in a region where lifestyle rules; where real estate, education and transportation costs are more affordable.
Deloitte Access Economics Director Chris Richardson, (quoted in The Age, Saturday April 17th 2020 Treasurer keeps eyes on Repair,) believes the Australian economy returned to its pre Covid strength as early as February/March this year, a reversal of the huge contraction of 0.3% and 7 %in two consecutive quarters last year. Nationally, real income grew by 1.4% in 2020, greater that the average of the past decade.
This bucks international trends and surprises even treasurer Josh Frydenburg. “I certainly didn’t think we would be in the position we are today, with the economy having made up so much lost ground.” The Age Saturday April 17th 2020 Treasurer keeps eyes on Repair .
How sustained this growth remains, now that job keeper has been removed, and the first flush of economic recover subsides, is difficult to predict. But our Geelong Careers job numbers indicate the growth continues throughout the region.
Geelong Career’s uniquely local focus shows brilliant growth, particularly in our fastest growing sectors: IT, Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Government and Construction. Hospitality and Retail are showing pleasing recovery from last year’s lockdown figures when shopping largely went online, and travel was put on hold. Careers in health provided most March jobs, followed by construction, government jobs, retail and hospitality. Fastest growing industries are IT and Advanced Manufacturing.
Marianne Messer
© This material remains the copy of Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network and may be used for teaching purposes with acknowledgement