The future is promising for students studying geosciences at James Cook University, with the Australian Government projecting strong growth in the industry.
Geologists, geophysicists and hydrogeologists are ranked in the top 2 per cent of growth occupations by the Department of Jobs and Small Business, with an expected increase of 21.6 per cent by 2023.
JCU Head of Geoscience Associate Professor Eric Roberts said it’s an exciting time to be studying for a career in geosciences.
“With the rise in demand for renewable energies and new technologies in the medical, aerospace and technology sectors, geoscientists play an integral role in helping discover the new materials that are used to make these products,” he said.
“It is also particularly important time because of the rapidly growing role of geoscientists, including hydrogeologists, physical geographers, environmental scientists and geologists, in tackling pressing environmental issues related to climate change, groundwater, soils, and environmental remediation.”
Professor Marcus Lane, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at JCU, says the Government’s outlook highlights the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers and the job opportunities available to those who study related disciplines.
“This projection makes it clear that the need for these skills is on the rise,” he said. “There are exciting job opportunities available, particularly when it comes to growing Northern Australia.
“Our graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of this growth, with the Australian Research Council rates geology at JCU as ‘Above World Standard’.”
Dr Roberts agrees, saying that geoscience is a hands-on industry with promising graduate outcomes.
“Our students’ job success rates have been exceptional over the past few years,” he said. “Geoscience is something I would encourage school leavers and people interested in a career change to consider applying for.”
JCU is the only Australian university to offer a dedicated Bachelor of Geology degree.
The Department of Jobs and Small Business Employment Projections are based on forecasted and projected total employment growth rates for the following five-year period.
The report is available on the Department’s website: https://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/EmploymentProjections
