Jobs and Skills Report – Better Together
Feb 12, 2025
Introduction
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is focused on being the catalyst to activate the potential of Australia’s workforce to meet present and future skills needs. Their recent report charts the way forward.
Key Insights
The “Better Together” report discusses ways to foster inclusive participation in the workforce. It explores how to improve employment opportunities for women and First Nations people, highlighting vocational education and training as vital pathways. Notably, since 2017, around 8% of all electrical apprenticeships have been female.
Understanding Today’s Workforce
The report explains that healthcare and social assistance is the largest employing industry. Despite a steady increase in the number of applicants per vacancy, there has only been a minor increase in the average number of suitable applicants per vacancy.
Adapting to a Changing Economy
The workforce needs to adapt to a changing economy influenced by digital transformation, an ageing population, and responses to climate change. New roles are emerging due to changing consumer preferences and technological innovation. The report identifies 37 emerging roles within four main themes: healthcare, data and technologies, science and engineering, and net zero.
Net Zero Emerging Roles
In 2022, the leading emerging role in the net zero category was the electric vehicle technician, followed by the sustainability consultant and battery design specialist. These roles are associated with sustainability, the green economy, and clean energy.
Future Pathways
The report suggests further studies to ensure pathways available for workers equip them with the appropriate skills. Harmonizing the tertiary education system, where both sectors work together, is vital in addressing future challenges. Combining work and study positively impacts employment outcomes, with students who complete a VET qualification via an apprenticeship experiencing better employment outcomes and higher income uplift.
Attracting Teachers and Trainers
Attracting teachers and trainers is a significant challenge identified in the report. Improving workforce data collection will help manage this risk in the future. The report found that VET teacher numbers have reduced between 11% and 18% over the last decade, with more people leaving for other occupations than entering the field.
Conclusion
To read the report visit Jobs and Skills Australia website.
1 Page 3 Jobs and Skills Australia (2024) Better Together, The Jobs and Skills Report 2024 Commonwealth of Australia.
