As we enter 2015, the global labor market appears to be in increasingly robust health. While there remain concerns surrounding a lack of permanent employment opportunities, the rate of overall job creation continues to increase as the applications for unemployment benefits declines. This is certainly the case in the U.S., for example, where the applications for welfare have fallen to 307,000 during the first quarter of 2015.

While the labour market as a whole may be moving in a positive direction, however, there are some industries that continue to grow at a faster pace than others. Driven by technological innovation and the needs of society, these industries will become increasingly lucrative and offer a wealth of job opportunities in the next decade. It is important that you bear these industries in mind; as this makes it easier to identify your next potential career move and the core skills that you require.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the three industries that you should look to target in 2015 and beyond: –

Banking

While there remain a number of financial institutions that continue to lose jobs, the banking sector provides a clear exception to this rule. This market is expected to deliver double digit growth in the region of 22.2% for 2015, while organisations such as Chase have already opened a number of new regional branches as 2015 has got underway. In terms of specific skills and career opportunities, the implementation of more stringent financial regulations has led to an increased demand for Compliance Officers, while those looking at entry level positions may benefit by targeting teller and branch management roles.

Environmental Science

If you were to peruse one hundred articles of growth industries for 2015, the chances are that the environmental science sector would feature on every single one. This marketplace has exploded in the last eighteen months, with the level of demand now so strong that job creation has surged within every individual sector. From public-body educators and professors to private sector field scientist and consultants, there are opportunities emerging at an incredible rate throughout a global market. Such expansion has driven overall market growth of more than 18%, and this is likely to rise further in the next twelve months.

Automotive Mechanics and Car Engineering

With technological advancement now a key driver of almost all industries, many emerging employment opportunities require a specialist skill or qualification. There are some blue-collar industries that are also experiencing growth, with automotive mechanics and car engineering providing relevant examples. New car sales have soared as the global economic recovery has gathered pace, with the European market having recorded an increase of 5% during 2014. This trend has been replicated in the U.S. and UK, which in turn has created a number of employment opportunities with various repair and design companies.