Project management is a fast-growing industry in Australia. Not only is it growing as a specific discipline, it is also an essential skill in a large range of jobs and industries, from mining and construction, to business and IT, and everything in between.
In this time of rapid change, project management is needed more than ever, and this is reflected in the growing number of job openings, and the range of industries and organisations calling for these skills.
Changing times also mean new opportunities. According to Forbes, the future of project management will include:
- Increasing use of artificial intelligence and data technology.
- A broader set of skills as projects become more complex.
- More flexible and customised project management methods and tools.
- Importance of speed and change readiness, over processes and procedures.
- More diversity in teams, including remote work, spread of full/part-time/freelance, demographics and the increasing importance of team cohesion skills.
Industry Snapshot
Forecasts predict that Project Management positions will number more than 120,000 by 2022, with up to 8,400 new job openings over the next five years according to Job Outlook.
Internationally Project Management is forecast to grow 33% by 2027.
The average annual income range for Project Managers is $100,400 – $170,00. For Program Managers it is $154,000 – $262,000.
Over 54% of Project Managers are 35-54 years of age.
In all industries and regions of Australia, there are a range of opportunities for project managers, as project management skills and experience are in increasing demand.
Project management roles can be found in any industry.
Project management roles are available in an increasing range of sectors.
Some key examples include:
- Mining
- Construction and Engineering
- Finance and Insurance
- Business
- Healthcare
- Trades
- Manufacturing
- Law
- Defence and Aerospace
- Renewable energy
- IT
- Education
Project Management Skills
The interesting feature of project management is that it is becoming both a universal skill and a specialist skill. Project management skills are highly transferrable and in demand in a range of Australian industries.
Find out what you’re eligible for
In occupations and companies across the spectrum, employees are being asked to oversee projects.
And increasingly, project managers are regarded as a central element in most organisations, particularly when it comes to change management – something very important in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Employers are looking for project managers that are:
- Experienced and skilled at creating, negotiating and coordinating changes to projects, contracts and programs.
- Adept at dealing positively and productively with a range of stakeholders and resolution of any issues.
- Able to demonstrate a proven track record for achieving project timelines and meeting budget constraints.
- Experienced with finalising projects, providing detailed reporting, analysing data and recommendations for process improvements.
Useful project management skills include:
- Leadership skills
- Change management
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Vision and big picture thinking
- Communication skills
- Negotiation skills
We read a range of advertisements for roles that required some project management responsibilities. When hiring for roles that are exclusively project management focused or roles where a component involves running projects, there are some key soft skills that consistently rise to the top of the list:
- Outstanding stakeholder management
- Thriving through change
- Strong work ethic
- Action oriented
- Balancing the big picture with the detail
Project Management Qualifications
Formal qualifications are not necessarily mandatory for entering the project management industry. However, job advertisements largely require the successful applicant to hold formal qualifications in Project Management and Program Management. Statistics show that more than 60% of Project Managers hold a Diploma or above.
We offer Project Management qualifications attained through Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) at a range of levels to meet the entry requirements for Project Management roles at a variety of levels.
Our Project Management qualifications include:
- BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
- BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management
- BSB60720 Advanced Diploma of Program Management
Examples of Position Titles relevant to Certificate IV level work:
- Project Administrator/Coordinator
- Project Records Officer
- Project Analyst
- Contracts Officer
- Quality Officer
- Small Business Operator
Examples of Position Titles relevant to Diploma level work:
- Project Manager (industry specific)
- Project Leader/Team Leader
- Project Contract Manager
- Program Managers
- Project Analysts
- Project Contract Managers
- Construction Managers
- Health and Welfare Service Managers
- Software/ICT Managers
- Engineering Project Manager
Examples of Position Titles relevant to Advanced Diploma level work:
- Program manager
- Senior delivery manager
- Program manager health
- Program delivery manager
- Program director
- Strategic project manager
Read and Download Our Full Project
Management Industry Report Here
Maximise your Project Management Experience through RPL
In an increasingly competitive job market, it is more important than ever to give yourself the edge by transforming your skills and experience into nationally recognised qualifications.
Arrange a complimentary preliminary assessment now…
