The ABS and DEEWR state that for this profession, job prospects are below average and employment is going to fall down as what the predictions in the next 5 years revealed. This very large occupation of 52,700 as of November 2010 experienced decrease in employment in the past 5 and 10 years. An above average proportion of these workers (81.1%) are employed full time and work an average of 37.7 hours, which is lower compared to the general average for all occupation (41.3 hours). The level of vacancy for this occupation is very high.

A 30.2% decline in employment was seen in the past 10 years. Employment in the past 5 and 2 years also slumped down to 25.1% and 6.3%, in that particular order, and is believed to continue in the future.

 

Personal assistants’ weekly income of $1,100 before taxes is slightly higher than the general average earnings for all occupations ($1,105).

 

Skills that would be of most help to perform well the tasks of personal assistants include active listening, reading comprehension, time management, speaking, and writing.

A certificate III and at least 2 years of on-the-job training, or certificate IV, is a requirement for entry in this occupation. However, the aforementioned qualification may be substituted by at least 3 years of relevant experience.