The future workforce
Agriculture, food processing and forestry are just some of the industries with growing career opportunities.
The region’s population is ageing, so workers with skills in health care are also in demand.
Tourism is steadily on the rebound post-pandemic, creating jobs in hospitality, retail, construction and recreational services.
There’s also been significant investment in road and rail links connecting the region with surrounding areas. A growing number of visitors means more growth and more opportunity.
Whether you’re a builder or chef, farmer or nurse, Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds has something for you.
Top jobs with a VET pathway
Below are some top occupations in Warrnambool, Hamilton 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 | 1,095 | 4.1% | 253 |
| Nursing support and personal care workers | 392 | 2.2% | 66 |
| Accountants | 652 | 1.2% | 44 |
| Registered nurses | 1,389 | 0.8% | 118 |
| Livestock farmers | 5,441 | -1.4% | 382 |
Top industries
Below are the top industries in Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds. 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 | 3,015 | 3.2% | 476 |
| Health care and social assistance | 8,423 | 1.9% | 1,035 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 2,781 | 1.4% | 254 |
| Transport, postal and warehousing | 2,195 | 0.9% | 239 |
| Manufacturing | 4,116 | 0.2% | 292 |
| Public administration and safety | 2,978 | -0.3% | 160 |
| Education and training | 5,091 | -0.5% | 285 |
| Construction | 4,428 | -1.2% | 87 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 11,639 | -1.2% | 746 |
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our Warrnambool, Hamilton 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