Employment Winners and Losers

The Australian job market has continued to evolve in response to technological change, demographic shifts, and economic uncertainty. While some sectors have experienced consistent growth, others have faced ongoing challenges due to automation, global competition, and changing consumer behaviour.

So which industries are creating jobs in 2025—and which ones are losing ground? Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning your next career move.

Industries Leading Job Growth

1. Health, Aged Care and Disability Support

Health care remains the top employment sector in Australia. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, health and social assistance is expected to add more than 250,000 jobs by 2026, driven by Australia’s ageing population and continued investment in NDIS services.

Opportunities are strong in roles such as:

• Aged care and disability support workers
• Registered and enrolled nurses
• Allied health professionals (e.g. physiotherapists, occupational therapists)
• Community and youth services workers

Explore health and community services courses or aged care training options to enter this high-demand field.

2. Mining and Resources

Despite cyclical challenges, Australia’s mining and energy sector continues to be a major employer—particularly in Western Australia and Queensland. Demand remains high for skilled workers in both traditional mining operations and emerging clean energy projects.

The sector is also evolving with new roles in environmental monitoring, data analysis, and renewable energy project management.

View mining and resources courses to learn how to enter this lucrative and dynamic industry.

3. Construction and Infrastructure

Driven by government-backed infrastructure projects and private sector development, the construction industry continues to create thousands of jobs in 2025. Roles range from civil engineers and site managers to electricians, plumbers, and skilled tradespeople.

Browse construction-related qualifications to get skilled and job-ready.

Sectors Facing Job Decline

1. Retail

Australia’s retail sector continues to feel the impact of e-commerce growth and consumer belt-tightening amid cost-of-living pressures. Job losses have occurred in bricks-and-mortar retail outlets, particularly in clothing and department stores.

However, there is strong demand in digital retail, customer experience, and e-commerce logistics—so upskilling in digital marketing or supply chain management may offer a path forward.

2. Manufacturing and Warehousing

Automation and offshoring continue to reshape Australia’s manufacturing industry. While some high-tech manufacturing and logistics roles are emerging, traditional production line jobs are in decline.

There are opportunities in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and quality control—but jobseekers will need updated technical skills. Look into engineering and automation-focused courses to stay competitive.

3. Hospitality and Tourism

Although recovering from pandemic-related disruption, hospitality remains vulnerable to seasonal volatility and economic downturns. Staffing shortages persist, but employment levels haven’t returned to pre-2020 highs in some regions.

Those entering the industry should focus on customer experience, event coordination, and tourism marketing skills. Explore hospitality and travel training to stay ahead.

Where the Jobs Are: Regional Breakdown

As of 2025, the strongest employment growth continues to be concentrated in:

• Western Australia: Resources, construction, and health
• Queensland: Mining, aged care, tourism recovery
• Victoria and New South Wales: Health, professional services, education
• Regional Australia: In-demand roles in nursing, trades, and support services—often with relocation incentives

For regional job insights, visit the Labour Market Insights portal.

Take Action: Upskill Into Growth Industries

Whether you’re switching careers or starting out, the key to staying relevant in a changing job market is upskilling in areas of consistent demand. Our most popular pathways include:

• Health and community care
• Aged care and support services
• Mining and resources
• IT and cyber security
• Construction and trades

Need help getting started? Explore all our online courses and take the first step toward a future-proof career today.