Australia is expected to create almost two million new jobs by 2035. On paper, that sounds like great news for the economy. More jobs mean more opportunities, stronger industries and continued business growth. However, creating jobs is only part of the challenge.
The bigger question is whether Australia will have enough skilled people to fill them. The latest Australian Jobs 2026 report projects 961,000 additional jobs over the next five years and almost two million new jobs over the next decade. For employers, that sends a clear message. Preparing tomorrow’s workforce starts today.
Future Jobs Will Require Future Skills
The jobs of the future will not simply be more of the same. As industries evolve, employers are looking for people who can adapt to new technologies, solve complex problems and continue learning throughout their careers. Technical expertise remains important, but transferable skills are becoming just as valuable.
Communication, critical thinking, teamwork, digital capability and adaptability are now essential across many industries. Employees who continue developing these skills will be better positioned to succeed as workforce demands change. For employers, hiring for potential is becoming just as important as hiring for experience.
Growth Is Creating Opportunity Across Australia
Employment growth is expected across every state and territory over the next decade. Healthcare, professional services, education, construction, technology and community services are all forecast to create significant employment opportunities. These industries will rely on a steady pipeline of skilled workers to support future demand.
This presents exciting opportunities for job seekers. However, it also increases pressure on employers to attract, develop and retain the right people. Building a future workforce requires planning long before positions become vacant.
Recruitment Alone Will Not Be Enough
Many organisations are already experiencing skills shortages. Finding experienced candidates remains difficult across a range of industries, even as Australia’s labour market begins to moderate. Simply advertising more roles is unlikely to solve the problem.
Instead, employers are placing greater focus on developing talent from within. Investing in apprenticeships, traineeships, mentoring and professional development helps organisations strengthen workforce capability while improving employee engagement and retention. The businesses that invest in people today will be better prepared for tomorrow.
Continuous Learning Is Becoming A Competitive Advantage
Learning is no longer something that ends after school, university or an apprenticeship. Today’s workforce must continue developing new skills throughout every stage of a career. As technology changes and industries evolve, continuous learning allows both employees and businesses to remain competitive.
Employers who encourage ongoing development often build more adaptable teams that are better equipped to respond to change. In many workplaces, learning has become a business strategy rather than simply an employee benefit.
Preparing For The Workforce Of Tomorrow
Australia’s employment outlook remains positive. The challenge is no longer whether jobs will exist. The challenge is ensuring people have the skills to perform them.
The organisations that succeed over the next decade will not simply be those that recruit well. They will be the ones that invest in learning, develop future capability and create clear pathways for employees to grow. Australia may create almost two million new jobs by 2035. Filling them will depend on the decisions employers, educators and workers make today.