Publications

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First Nations VET Workforce Research Paper

The First Nations VET Workforce Research Paper is a focused extension of Jobs and Skills Australia’s VET Workforce Study. It brings together insights into accredited training from First Nations voices, national datasets and stakeholders to strengthen understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce within vocational education and training (VET) and what’s needed to support its growth. The Paper shows that culturally responsive, First Nations-led approaches are essential for building a strong, sustainable VET workforce that supports Community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. It highlights that self-determination, genuine community engagement, and valuing Indigenous expertise are core enablers of quality training. Key insights include: Strong growth, ongoing underrepresentation: The First Nations VET workforce grew 18% between 2016 and 2021, outpacing the overall workforce, yet representation remains 2%, below the 3.8% population share. Better learner outcomes: Evidence indicates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners have stronger engagement and better completion outcomes when taught by First Nations educators. National priority and regional impact: Strengthening the First Nations VET workforce supports Closing the Gap Priority Reforms, builds local workforce pipelines, and helps address skills needs, particularly in regional and remote Australia. For questions or assistance, please email: VETWorkforceAnalysis@jobsandskills.gov.au 

March 17, 2026

Occupation Shortage Report - December 2025

The Occupation Shortage Report offers analysis on possible shortage pressures in the labour market. Some highlights this quarter: National fill rate reached 70.7% in December 2025, up 2.1 percentage points over the past year but only marginally up from the last quarter. Regional areas saw strong gains, with fill rates rising 5.6 points in the last 12 months to 68.6%. The gap between metro and regional fill rates is the smallest since 2023, now at just 3.2 percentage points. Employers are finding more suitable candidates for vacant roles, with steady improvement across Australia. All Skill Level occupation groups saw improved fill rates this quarter, but Skill Level 3 remains low at 54.5%. For more insights, download the full report. 

March 12, 2026

International Labour Market Update - February 2026

The International Labour Market Update provides key labour market data and information on skill shortages for Australia and selected overseas countries and country groups. Drawing on OECD, UN and ILO research, this edition examines global economic and labour market trends, including GDP projections, emerging risks and the productivity impacts of AI. It also provides country‑level labour market insights for major advanced economies. For more insights, download the full report. 

February 27, 2026

Australian Labour Market for Migrants - January 2026

The Australian Labour Market for Migrants report provides information on Australian labour market conditions. It is intended to inform people interested in working in Australia on a temporary or permanent basis, and to organisations providing services to migrants and visa applicants. This edition also includes a Hot Topic on the contribution of temporary work visas to the Construction industry labour market, including the residential building construction sector. Information is also provided on the main occupations of employment for temporary work visa holders. Key insights: The Australian economy and labour market remains resilient, although there are signs of further softening in labour market conditions. Over the 12 months to November 2025 there were decreases in trend employment in the Wholesale Trade, Manufacturing, and Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industries. The largest employment increases were seen for Professionals, Community and Personal Service Workers, and Technicians and Trades Workers. The Construction industry in Australia had an estimated workforce of 1.348 million in May 2025 and is projected to grow to 1.508 million by May 2035.

January 30, 2026

Labour Market

Occupation Shortage Report - September 2025

The Occupation Shortage Report offers analysis on possible shortage pressures in the labour market. Some highlights this quarter: National fill rate dipped 0.3% points to 70.2%, but remains higher than last year (+2.2% points). The rate of change slowed compared to previous quarters. Despite fewer applicants per vacancy, the number of suitable candidates identified by employers continues to increase steadily. Metro fill rate fell to 71.5% (–0.7% points), while regional rose to 67.1% (+1.3% points). Metro–regional gap narrowed to 4.4% points (down from 6.5%). Skill Level 1 - fill rates improved. Skill Level 3 remains low at 54.3%. Skill Level 2 and 4 - fill rates declined. For more insights, download the full report.

December 15, 2025

2025-26 Work Plan

The Jobs and Skills Australia Work Plan focuses on priorities to support JSA’s delivery of high-quality advice to underpin Australia’s response to current, emerging and future workforce, skills and training needs. Our annual work plans set out key outcomes and priorities for the financial year and provide a strong platform to continue our valuable studies, research and analytical projects. Our 2025–26 work program aims to support Government’s strategic agenda and is aligned with our Commissioner’s outcomes from our 2024-27 Strategic Plan. Our key areas of focus include: the current labour market the future labour market the national skills system productivity inclusive participation activating an informed dialogue. The work plan has been developed in consultation with our Ministerial Advisory Board, Jobs and Skills Councils, state and territory governments, Commonwealth government agencies and a wide range of other stakeholders (including a public submission process). Thanks to all our partners and stakeholders who provided input to inform the development of this work. For more insights, download the plan.

December 5, 2025

International Labour Market Update - November 2025

The International Labour Market Update provides labour market data and information for Australia and selected overseas countries and country groups. In this edition we see: the OECD and IMF report a softening in international labour markets and economies. the global GDP was more resilient than expected in early 2025, particularly for emerging economies. nominal wage growth in advanced economies continues to moderate as inflation and labour pressures ease. advanced economies remain nearly 15 times more productive than emerging economies (2010–2024). For more insights, download the full report.

November 28, 2025

Higher Education Outcomes – Exploring Administrative Data

The Higher Education Outcomes – Exploring Administrative Data Report presents findings on how university graduates transition from study into work and how careers can progress over time. A key feature of this research is its use of linked administrative data, which gives a detailed picture of higher education graduates’ journeys. These insights will be critical in shaping future policy and ensuring Australia’s higher education system continues to meet the needs of both students and the economy. The report marks the start of an ongoing program of work to better understand graduate outcomes and build a stronger, more inclusive higher education system. Insights include: Higher education leads to strong labour market outcomes across a diverse range of careers. Graduates in Mining Engineering, Medical Studies and General Medicine lead in both starting pay and growth with incomes jumping 35% in their first five years Education and Engineering graduates show strong qualification-to-career alignment – 72% of Education graduates became teachers and 60% of Engineering graduates entered professional engineering roles Management, Commerce, and Society and Culture unlock broad career pathways – graduates entered over 70 distinct occupational groups, highlighting strong employment versatility. Postgraduate qualifications can boost earnings – e.g. Business graduates earn a median of $54,800 more annually than their undergraduate counterparts. Read the full report for more details. For questions or assistance, please email: SkillsDataAnalytics@jobsandskills.gov.au.  

November 7, 2025

Jobs and Skills Report 2025

Connecting for impact - The Jobs and Skills Report 2025 The Jobs and Skills Report 2025 – Connecting for Impact: Aligning Productivity, Participation and Skills offers clear, evidence-based insights into Australia’s evolving workforce. The report explores how productivity and participation are shaped by shifting skill demands, technological change, and structural barriers, identifying where better alignment between education, migration and workforce planning can deliver stronger, fairer outcomes. JSA highlights the need to unlock inclusive participation and modernise skills pathways. Key findings include improved employment and income outcomes after partial or full completion of VET training, service industries have driven nearly 90% of employment growth over the past decade, and Gen AI is augmenting, not replacing, work, lifting demand for digital literacy and ‘human’ skills. With growing public engagement and global partnerships, JSA’s insights are shaping national policy and helping Australia build a more inclusive, productive and future-ready workforce. For more information, download the factsheets and the full report below.

November 4, 2025

Australian Labour Market for Migrants - October 2025

The Australian Labour Market for Migrants report provides information on Australian labour market conditions. It is intended to inform people interested in working in Australia on a temporary or permanent basis, and to organisations providing services to migrants and visa applicants. This edition includes a Hot Topic on the labour market for Cyber Security Professionals in Australia, including the workforce profile for the occupation group and its importance to addressing cyber security threats. Key insights: The Australian labour market continues to perform well but there are signs of a softening in the labour market. Trend employment fell over the year to August 2025 in Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade and Mining. The largest employment increases were seen for Professionals, Community and Personal Service Workers, and Technicians and Trades Workers. Australia’s cyber security workforce continues to grow, up by 3,300 people over the past year, with employment growth expected to increase by 14.2% from May 2024 to May 2029. For more information, download the full report. 

October 31, 2025