As part of the inaugural Jobs & Skills Month, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) today released the Jobs and Skills Roadmap for Regional Australia: Evidence, findings and opportunities during the Wodonga leg of the JSA Roadshow.
Regional Australia plays a vital role in the nation’s prosperity and resilience, with around one-third of Australia’s working-age population living outside major cities.
The Roadmap explores the strengths, challenges and opportunities shaping jobs and skills outcomes in regional Australia, highlighting the importance of helping people build skills, access rewarding work and contribute to thriving communities.
Regional labour markets are creating strong opportunities, with low unemployment, strong employment rates among people in their prime working years and a higher rate of job opportunities than in major cities. Many regional workers also report positive experiences of work, including high job satisfaction and low underemployment.
However, practical barriers such as access to housing, transport, childcare, health services and digital connectivity can affect people’s ability to take up available opportunities.
The Roadmap highlights the importance of strengthening education, training and lifelong learning to meet future workforce needs. More than 90% of employment growth over the decade to 2036 is expected to require post-school qualifications.
A new regional dashboard will bring jobs and skills indicators together, providing consistent evidence to track outcomes over time, identify local strengths and emerging pressures and support informed decision-making.
By bringing together regional evidence and encouraging stronger collaboration between governments, employers, education providers and communities, the Roadmap aims to support tailored, place-based solutions that reflect the distinct needs of regional Australia
