9 in-demand jobs you don’t need a degree for

Many of us have found our jobs have been redefined, or that we’re considering a complete shift in career because of the change brought on by COVID-19.

Fortunately, with change comes growth, and SEEK has seen huge increases in demand for certain jobs in the last few months. Job ads have grown significantly across a number of roles since March, our data shows. And better yet, these jobs don’t require a formal qualification.

If you’re considering a change, here are 9 in-demand jobs where formal qualifications aren’t essential, that you can apply for right now on SEEK.

• Merchandiser
  If being creative with products and display layouts interests you, you might make a great Merchandiser. Job ads are up 257% for this role, which entails planning, coordinating and installing promotional displays in retail stores. Many people progress to this career after working as a Sales Assistant. Merchandisers don’t require formal qualifications, but a Diploma of Visual Merchandising (SIR50217) may be an advantage.
   
• Retail Sales Assistant
  If you think of yourself as a people person, and enjoy interacting with others, a role as a Retail Sales Assistant could be for you. Job ads are up 266%. This role requires working in shops and providing a high-quality customer experience by greeting customers, establishing their needs and helping them to find products. If you’re organised, and have great communication skills and attention to detail, you have the ideal qualities of a Retail Sales Assistant.
   
• Dental Assistant
  Here’s something to smile about—job ads for Dental Assistants are up 255%. Sometimes called Dental Nurses, Dental Assistants prepare patients for dental examinations and assist Dental Practitioners with instruments, treatments and X-rays. There’s no formal training required, however completing a Certificate III in Dental Assisting HLT35015 or Certificate IV in Dental Assisting HLT45015 at an accredited TAFE institution can increase your job prospects.
   
• Retail Store Manager
  If you’re a great communicator, enjoy managing and motivating others, you could make an excellent Retail Store Manager. Job ads up 211% for this sought-after role. It involves being responsible for the smooth operation of a store, and communicating and achieving financial objectives such as sales goals with staff. This is a great job for someone who likes to work with and lead a team.
   
• Salesperson
  Here’s a role where hard work really pays off. Salespeople sell goods, services or products to consumers, retail clients or wholesale customers, sometimes with a commission involved. Salespeople may work in a variety of environments including retail, technology, real estate, automotive and telecommunications. Depending on the industry, some qualifications may be required, but often training is given on the job. Look into this profession, where job ads are up 200%.
   
• Delivery Driver
  If you like working independently and enjoy driving, consider becoming a Delivery Driver, where job ads up 175%. Delivery Drivers transport items to businesses or the public and in addition to their time behind the wheel are often responsible for loading and unloading goods. You’ll need to prove you’re trustworthy, reliable and have safe driving skills, but there are no formal qualifications required for this role—other than the appropriate drivers licence.
   
• Warehouse Storeperson
  Are you physically fit and able to lift, carry and move items around a large space? Warehouse Storepeople are in demand, with job ads up 160%, so if you’re interested in working as part of a team to receive, store and deliver goods this could be a great role for you. Warehouse Storepeople commonly use forklifts to load and unload trucks, so a forklift licence is highly valued.
   
• Personal Carer
  If you find caring for others rewarding, this kind of work could be ideal for you. Personal Carers play a really valuable role in supporting vulnerable individuals. Job ads are up 156%. As a Personal Carer, you’ll provide help with daily tasks that range from administering medication and assisting with household duties, to providing support with bathing and eating. It is possible to work as a Personal Carer without formal qualifications, but some employers require a vocational qualification such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015).
   
• Employment Consultant
  With so many careers being reshaped right now, it’s little wonder that job ads for Employment Consultants are up 120%. Help people who are unsure what to do with their careers, or people who have been out of the workforce or who require specialist support. Formal qualifications aren’t required for Employment Consultants, but you’ll need strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ideally have experience in a customer-facing role.

Whether you need to explore options for finding a job now, or you’re just interested to know what’s out there for making a change, the roles in this list cover a range of skills, background and interests. Take a moment to read up on these roles and see if there are any you’d like to pursue – then check out advice on creating your resume and tips on applying for jobs.

Read more: 

• Love animals? Here are 4 career ideas for you
• 5 careers for creative minds
• How to set goals that actually stick

Want to find out where the jobs are? See which roles are in demand in your state.