Victoria’s growing economy is driving jobs growth across the state, particularly in health care and social assistance, construction, and education and training. In the next 3 years, 70,000 new workers are expected to enter the workforce across regional Victoria (Figure 6).
Learners in regional Victoria can access training at TAFEs and other training providers. In addition, 12 Regional University Study Hubs provide VET and higher education learners living in regional, rural or remote areas with access to online learning, study facilities and student support services.20
Victoria’s regions are home to several growing sectors of the economy
Renewable energy
Gippsland is a hub for Victoria’s renewable energy initiatives. The Gippsland Offshore Wind Zone will create demand for a range of jobs, including engineers, technicians, project managers and environmental scientists.
The Great South Coast is also emerging as a key player in the renewable energy transition.21 In 2024, the Commonwealth Government declared an area in the Southern Ocean from Warrnambool and Port Fairy for offshore renewable energy.22
Critical minerals
The inaugural Victorian Critical Minerals Roadmap identifies opportunities for critical minerals development in areas like Mallee and Wimmera Southern Mallee. This emerging sector will require skilled workers in regional Victoria including engineers, scientists, heavy machinery operators, mechanics and construction workers. Jobs will span the mining life cycle, from new mineral discoveries and production to innovative uses for land following rehabilitation.
Agribusiness
Jobs in agribusiness can be found across the state.
- The Gippsland region has a thriving agribusiness industry with over 9,000 food and fibre businesses.23
- The Loddon Campaspe region and Ballarat are large employers in the food manufacturing sector.24
- Greater Shepparton is a major centre for fruit, vegetable and dairy production and processing, with many international food processing companies based there.25
Medical technology
Opportunities are present across regional Victoria with medical research facilities and specialised MedTech manufacturing firms in areas like Bendigo and Geelong. The $20 million Australian MedTech Manufacturing Centre is a Victorian Government initiative that is supporting the growth of innovative medical technology manufacturing in Victoria, creating new jobs, enhancing skills and increasing investment and exports.26 For example, this initiative has backed a partnership between the University of Melbourne and Bendigo Health to boost MedTech innovations.27
Advanced manufacturing and defence
The Greater Geelong area is a hub for advanced manufacturing (for example, Deakin University's ManuFutures) and a growing base for engineering design expertise in composite materials, precision engineering, customised steel, fiberglass fabrication and heat transfer technology.
Advanced manufacturing is one of the largest industries in Bendigo and Ballarat, both in terms of economic output and employment. This includes the supply of defence equipment.
Other advanced manufacturing locations in regional Victoria include the Latrobe Valley in the Gippsland region which has a commercial aviation manufacturing industry.28
Digital technologies
Ballarat has one of the largest ICT hubs across regional Australia.29 For example, Federation University Technology Parks host around 60 private enterprises and a growing cyber security hub.30 Regional cities such as Geelong are also being considered as locations for data centres.31
Figure 6: Number of new workers expected across Victoria's regions, 2025–28
Updated