The future workforce
Ballarat and surrounds is thriving. From farming and manufacturing to tourism and healthcare, the region’s economy is moving from strength to strength.
Investments in renewable energy will create opportunities in business and construction, while advances in farming technology drive the need for new skills.
The service industry is also booming, with opportunities for community workers, educators and aged carers.
The development of key public infrastructure and facilities, including the Ballarat Base Hospital and the renewable energy sector, will also bring significant investment in the coming years.
If you’re looking for a variety of career options, Ballarat and surrounds is the place to be.
Top jobs with a VET pathway
Below are some top occupations in Ballarat and surrounds which can be entered through a Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Occupation | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged and disabled carers | 2,019 | 5.7% | 575 |
| Welfare support workers | 575 | 3.6% | 94 |
| Nursing support and personal care workers | 611 | 3.2% | 122 |
| Chefs | 812 | 2.9% | 113 |
| Registered nurses | 2,538 | 2.1% | 321 |
Top industries
Below are the top 10 industries in Ballarat and surrounds in 2023. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Industry | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and food services | 6,803 | 3.4% | 1,097 |
| Health care and social assistance | 15,779 | 3.3% | 2,657 |
| Education and training | 8,982 | 1.7% | 1,114 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 4,946 | 1.6% | 468 |
| Manufacturing | 7,747 | 1.2% | 795 |
| Public administration and safety | 5,466 | 1.0% | 516 |
| Transport, postage and warehousing | 3,595 | 1.0% | 403 |
| Construction | 11,492 | -0.1% | 603 |
| Retail trade | 10,649 | -0.3% | 454 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 4,375 | -1.0% | 288 |
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our Ballarat and surrounds regional profile to learn more about:
- where you can do a training course
- local career stories
- help finding a job and planning a career in your area
- future job growth and top industries in the region.
Explore growing industries across Victoria
Training and careers in growing industries
Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.
Training and careers in your region
Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.
* Sourced from Victorian Skills Authority Employment Forecast Dashboard. Note that the qualification levels required for these occupations will vary.
Updated