The future workforce
Bendigo is one of Victoria’s largest cities. On average, the Loddon Campaspe region has an older population than Victoria as a whole. As people retire from the workforce, this will contribute to a steady rise in job growth.
The region’s tourism and hospitality industries are also expanding. Heritage, food, wine and culture experiences will continue to draw visitors.
Add to this investments in mental health, disability, early learning, and reforms to aged and home care. Opportunities in the region are boundless.
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds is home to many training institutes with close industry connections. If you’re considering your training and career options, it’s a great place to start.
Top jobs with a VET pathway
Below are some top occupations in Bendigo, Echuca 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 | 2,792 | 5.2% | 747 |
| Nursing support and personal care workers | 866 | 2.9% | 164 |
| Chefs | 1,031 | 2.8% | 140 |
| Registered nurses | 3,385 | 1.7% | 381 |
| Livestock farmers | 2,930 | -1.3% | 215 |
Top industries
Below are the top 10 industries in Bendigo, Echuca 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 | 8,563 | 3.4% | 1,373 |
| Health care and social assistance | 21,189 | 2.9% | 3,266 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 4,978 | 1.5% | 465 |
| Education and training | 9,695 | 1.2% | 1,040 |
| Public administration and safety | 7,653 | 0.7% | 649 |
| Manufacturing | 11,074 | 0.6% | 948 |
| Other services | 4,915 | -0.5% | 210 |
| Construction | 12,092 | -0.6% | 424 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 6,745 | -0.9% | 469 |
| Retail trade | 11,286 | -0.9% | 271 |
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our Bendigo, Echuca 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