The future workforce
Melbourne’s northern region is a transport and logistics hub because it has links to key transport pathways by road and air. There is high demand for transport and manufacturing jobs.
It is one of the fastest growing regions by population in Victoria. This growth provides new jobs and skills opportunities as large infrastructure projects continue. A growing population also means there is high demand for health and community services.
Key industrial hubs like Epping and Broadmeadows give people nearby job opportunities. Manufacturing is a major job provider to people from across Victoria.
Major government investments in infrastructure are helping to grow jobs for the future.
The projected number of new workers expected in Ballarat and surrounds is:
- 50,299 from 2024 to 2027
- 192,243 from 2024 to 2034*.
Top jobs with a VET pathway
Below are some top occupations in northern metropolitan Melbourne which can be entered through a Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Occupation | Workers 2024 | New workers expected by 2027 | New workers expected by 2034 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 10,563 | 1,391 | 8,235 |
| Aged and disabled carers | 9,464 | 1,951 | 7,350 |
| Child carers | 6,092 | 710 | 3,191 |
| Nursing support and personal care workers | 3,142 | 571 | 2,178 |
| Education aides | 3,658 | 351 | 1,368 |
Top industries
Below are the top 10 industries in northern metropolitan Melbourne in 2024. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Industry | Workers 2024 | New workers expected by 2027 | New workers expected by 2034 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 73,399 | 11,884 | 48,030 |
| Construction | 51,094 | 10,210 | 26,051 |
| Education and training | 40,575 | 4,700 | 19,750 |
| Transport, postal and warehousing | 39,211 | 4,530 | 18,120 |
| Retail trade | 42,844 | 3,114 | 15,560 |
| Manufacturing | 41,270 | 3,218 | 11,617 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 23,764 | 2,800 | 10,134 |
| Accommodation and food services | 26,331 | 2,073 | 10,097 |
| Public administration and safety | 20,297 | 2,073 | 8,602 |
| Administrative and support services | 12,499 | 1,242 | 5,756 |
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our Melbourne’s northern region 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 Projections Dashboard. Note that the qualification levels required for these occupations will vary.
Updated