The composition of employment in manufacturing industry

Abstract

This study presents descriptive information on the composition of employment in manufacturing industry in Australia-primarily for the period 1952 to 1987-and undertakes a preliminary analysis of the sources of changes in the composition of employment. It is shown that the occupational composition of employment in manufacturing industry has shifted steadily towards non-production and white- collar workers. Increases in educational attainment within occupation groups have also occurred. A number of potential explanatory factors for the change in the composition of employment are investigated; however, strong supporting evi dence is not found for any specific explanation.