The Best Jobs of the Future

Preparing for the Future of Work in Australia

The Australian job market is undergoing rapid transformation. Automation, green technologies, AI, renewable energy, and health demands are reshaping opportunities across sectors. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, total employment is projected to grow by 13.7% (approx. 2 million jobs) by May 2034, with professionals and VET-qualified workers seeing the largest gains.

In-Demand Roles and Skills

1. Data and AI Specialists

As organisations digitise, roles in data analytics, AI and machine learning are emerging as top priorities. The World Economic Forum estimates analytical thinking, AI skills and big-data expertise will lead demand by 2027.

2. ICT, Cybersecurity & Cloud Professionals

Australia needs around 52,000 additional tech-skilled workers each year through 2030 to support its AI and cloud growth.

3. Healthcare & Aged Care Professionals

Driven by an ageing population, health & social assistance is Australia’s fastest-growing employment sector, with 70,200+ new roles forecast by 2025.

4. Renewable Energy Technicians & Engineers

Australia’s shift to clean energy—especially in solar, wind and hydrogen—is fuelling demand. Renewables employment may triple to 60,000+, with 32,000+ electricians needed by decade’s end.

5. Construction, Infrastructure & Trade Workers

Major public infrastructure projects—Olympics venues, Renewable Energy Zones, defence facilities—are creating jobs in construction, civil trades, electrical, and mechanical roles.

6. Regulatory, Policy & ESG Specialists

With new technologies and environmental policies, demand is rising for experts in regulation, sustainability and ESG. Roles in government relations, compliance, and ethical oversight are growing in critical importance.

Key Cross‑Sector Skills

The WEF 2023 report highlights the importance of lifelong learning and emphasizes top skills such as analytical & creative thinking, AI expertise, big-data analytics, and adaptability.

Where Growth Is Happening Now

• AI & Cloud Infrastructure: Amazon is investing A$20 billion in AWS data centres to support AI growth.
• Defence & Sovereign Manufacturing: The AUKUS submarine program and defence upgrades will create ~20,000 jobs in engineering and manufacturing.
• Regional Infrastructure & REZs: Government-backed Renewable Energy Zones and waterfront revitalisation projects are unlocking construction and energy roles.

How to Future‑Proof Your Career

1. Combine technical and human skills: merge industry-specific skills (e.g., coding, engineering, healthcare) with communication, emotional intelligence and adaptability.
2. Upskill regularly: pursue micro-credentials, online courses and certifications—especially in AI, data, cybersecurity and sustainability.
3. Network in growing sectors: engage with industry bodies like Ai Group, ACS or the Heart Foundation to stay ahead.
4. Stay informed on government initiatives: policies like “Future Made in Australia” and REZs impact job growth—stay updated on Jobs and Skills Australia.