Job-Rich Industries

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines has just reached the 100-million population mark. There are two sides to this development. On one hand, there are now so many of us Filipinos inhabiting just a few of the archipelago's 7,107 islands. Our communities are denser, and as they say, "The more the merrier."On the other hand, there are now more of us to

compete for finite resources and for available opportunities. While a big population also translates to a big labor force - which may seem good for the economy - it is so only if the number of employable citizens actually get employed. Otherwise, instead of being social assets, people become social

problems. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop," so the saying goes.

To date the country's unemployment rate is still at a significant level, despite persistent government effort to bring it down. Lack of education is not the cause, but rather a mismatch between academic training and actual job requirements. Filipino students pursue college courses mostly without consideration of employment prospects afterwards.

Or, if they do, they choose courses which are in great demand during their college days, especially courses that have high probability of landing a job abroad. But, often, the demand has faded away by the time they graduate. So, year after year many of our graduates end up adding to the national unemployment statistics.

What is ironic is that there are industries around that are also perpetually in search of people to fill their job vacancies. And, although these jobs may not be as popular or hyped up, just the same they offer equitable income. Some of these industries are:

Travel Industry

There is an increasing worldwide trend to travel. There is, in fact, a projected global increase in air travel in the next several years. Airline companies - and the aviation industry as a whole - are already plotting strategies to take advantage of the forthcoming rise in travel activities. They are acquiring more airplanes and, of course, have to hire people to man the planes.

The accommodation and hospitality industry is also gearing up to complement the expected influx of travelers. Hotels and resorts are upgrading both their spaces and facilities in order to meet the needs of today's clients. Alongside the physical improvements, in order to provide excellent service, they need to hire more staff and personnel.

The industry also includes the food service sector, which in and by itself is already a big employer of service personnel.

Computer Technology Industry

Computers have become the standard equipment of industries today. These machines make for a more systematic and efficient performance of tasks and delivery of goods and services. And as industries continue to grow, it follows that more and more computer experts are needed in order to fit computer functions to particular business needs, or offers the public with more practical computer applications.  

The need for computer professionals ranges from computer analysts to determine business systems or processes to fit in a particular business setting and the kind of computers to be used - to computer programmers focused on creating programs that can be used by business, or even by the general public. Opportunities abound, too, for website designers.

Construction Industry

Given the boom in housing development alone, the demand for civil engineers and like professionals cannot be denied. Whether be it for homes, or office buildings, or commercial complexes, roads and bridges, and other such structures, the services of building professionals are necessary. Complementary to the services of construction and building professionals is a need for masons, machine operators, electricians, painters, pipefitters, plumbers etc.

The suppliers sector that provides construction materials also employs office, storefront, warehouse and delivery workers.

Administrative and Accounting Industry

With today's heightening commercial undertakings, an entire office is needed to oversee things in a particular business outfit. Good managers and administrative staffs are needed to implement projects or run business operations. They are the ones to see to it that resources are available when it's needed, where it's needed, and ensure that everyone involved are motivated to perform according to a common objective.

And as long as resources in its various forms are concerned, there is always a need for accountants. They help ensure that the various flows of resources are properly accounted for, to aid project administrators or business executives in determining the directions to pursue or veer away from in their respective undertakings. Aside from licensed accountants, even without a license graduates of accountancy course can still be employed as accounting staff to do bookkeeping functions.

Education Industry

This traditional industry never goes out of date. There are always positions available for qualified teachers, school administrators and service personnel. The whole education industry is not limited to those involved in class instruction. There are also people working at the school offices, clinics, supplies departments, cafeterias etc.

While the education industry may not be as high-paying as the other industries, it is definitely one of the most stable - and most noble, too. There would not have been doctors or engineers or any other professionals if there were not schools that trained them and honed their skills.

The industries mentioned are by no means the only ones that offer good employment prospects.  Nor employment the only option for good, reliable income. Many entrepreneurial endeavors have proved even a better option to many.  (FREEMAN)