Five Industries with the Brightest Futures

Choosing a career path in today’s world means balancing passion with practicality. While we always encourage you to pursue what you love, it’s also wise to understand where demand is growing—especially if you want to future-proof your job prospects.

That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Drawing on data from Jobs and Skills Australia, Deloitte, and industry reports, here are five booming industries facing critical skills shortages in 2025—and how you can train to join them.

1. Healthcare and Aged Care

Australia’s population is ageing rapidly. By 2055, it’s projected that more than 40,000 Australians will be over 100 years old, up from around 5,000 in 2020. That shift is placing significant pressure on healthcare systems and aged care services.

Why this matters

• Increased demand for aged care, mental health, nursing, and allied health professionals
• Growth in digital health delivery and preventative care
• Government incentives and training subsidies for aged care and nursing roles

High-demand roles:

• Registered nurses and enrolled nurses
• Aged care and disability support workers
• Mental health professionals and psychologists
• Physiotherapists, podiatrists, and sonographers

Explore: nursing, aged care, mental health, allied health

2. Education and Training

The demand for qualified educators is soaring—particularly in STEM subjects and early childhood education. Australia is also seeing strong growth in international education and adult training, driven by population growth, migration, and upskilling needs.

Growth areas include:

• Secondary education in maths, science, and IT
• Early childhood and childcare educators
• Vocational education and training (VET) specialists
• Private and international education providers

In-demand roles:

• Secondary teachers
• Teacher librarians
• Diploma-qualified childcare educators

Explore: education, teaching, early childhood

3. Construction and Skilled Trades

Driven by infrastructure investment, housing demand, and population growth, the construction industry remains one of Australia’s strongest employment sectors. Many trades are on the National Skills Needs List, making apprenticeships eligible for government support.

Occupations in shortage:

• Bricklayers, plasterers, stonemasons, roof tilers*
• Surveyors, estimators, and project managers
• Forepersons for high-rise and residential projects

*Certificate III/IV in these trades may qualify you for Trade Support Loans or other subsidies

Explore: building and construction

4. Tourism and Hospitality

Despite pandemic setbacks, Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector is bouncing back—and forecasted to grow dramatically by 2035. International visitors are returning, and regional tourism is thriving, creating high demand for skilled workers.

Roles in demand:

• Hotel and resort managers
• Baristas, waitstaff, and chefs*
• Tourism and travel agents
• Café and restaurant supervisors

*Cooks, bakers, and butchers also appear on the National Skills Needs List

Explore: tourism, hospitality

5. Agriculture and Agribusiness

Global food demand is rising, and Australia’s agricultural exports are well-positioned to serve Asia-Pacific markets. But a shortage of skilled workers and a retiring workforce is putting pressure on the sector to modernise and attract new talent.

Growth areas:

• Sustainable agriculture and agribusiness
• Viticulture and aquaculture
• Environmental and land management

Urgent skills needed:

• Agricultural consultants and scientists
• Arborists and horticulturists
• Landcare and environmental officers

Explore: agriculture, environmental sciences

Want a Career with Future Security?

All of these industries are actively looking for qualified workers—and the right training can help you step into those roles with confidence. Whether you’re after a career change or just getting started, browse our nationally recognised online courses to gain the skills that Australia needs most in 2025.