Occupations in highest demand are mostly in the care economy and construction

Across all industries, ageing and disability carers (15,300 new workers expected), registered nurses (9,200), carpenters and joiners (8,600), and construction managers (7,200) are among the occupations most in demand.
Many occupations in demand generally require a VET qualification.

Occupation	Aligned with:	New workers expected ('000s), 2025-28
Ageing and disability carers	VET	15.3
Primary school teachers	Higher education	11.7
Registered nurses	Higher education	9.2
Carpenters and joiners	VET	8.6
Secondary school teachers	Higher education	8.2
Construction managers	Higher education	7.2
Truck drivers	VET	6.4
Software and applications programmers	Higher education	5.1
Plumbers	VET	5.0
Civil engineering professionals	Higher education	4.8
Chefs	VET	4.4
Retail managers	VET	4.2
Bookkeepers	VET	4.0
Nursing support and personal care workers	VET	4.0
Advertising, public relations and sales managers	Higher education	4.0

Updated 12 March 2026