The future workforce
Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest city. The region's population is increasing, and so is its need for skilled workers.
Job demand is especially high in construction, education, health care and hospitality. Right now, there is a lot of support for workers who want to upskill to meet community needs in the region.
So if you're looking to boost your career, Geelong, Colac and surrounds is a great place to start.
Top jobs with a VET pathway
Below are some top occupations in Geelong, Colac and surrounds which can be entered through a Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Occupation | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged and disabled carers | 4,793 | 6.3% | 1,472 |
| Welfare support workers | 1,315 | 4.3% | 246 |
| Nursing support and personal care workers | 1,251 | 3.8% | 273 |
| Registered nurses | 4,759 | 2.6% | 684 |
| Construction managers | 2,332 | 1.5% | 237 |
Top industries
Below are the top 10 industries in Geelong, Colac and surrounds in 2023. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Industry | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 32,220 | 4.1% | 6,256 |
| Accommodation and food services | 11,829 | 3.5% | 1,957 |
| Education and training | 14,030 | 3.0% | 2,309 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 10,429 | 1.6% | 1,021 |
| Public administration and safety | 9,857 | 1.4% | 1,027 |
| Transport, postal and warehousing | 5,602 | 1.4% | 700 |
| Manufacturing | 12,096 | 0.7% | 1,071 |
| Construction | 23,759 | 0.4% | 1,569 |
| Other services | 6,138 | 0.2% | 388 |
| Retail trade | 18,716 | -0.1% | 936 |
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our Geelong, Colac and surrounds regional profile to learn more about:
- where you can do a training course
- local career success stories
- help finding a job and planning a career in your area
- future job growth and top industries in the region.
Explore growing industries across Victoria
Training and careers in growing industries
Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.
Training and careers in your region
Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.
* Sourced from Victorian Skills Authority Employment Forecast Dashboard. Note that the qualification levels required for these occupations will vary.
Updated