Jobs of the future demand better education

9 September 2026 Read the report

Committee Chair Alison Marchant says evidence given by ten young Victorians informed many of the report's recommendations.

More support for parents, teachers and students is going to be required to meet the needs of Victoria’s growing and modernising workforce, according to a new report.

The inquiry into student pathways to in-demand industries identified both established and emerging sectors where highly educated and trained employees are going to be necessary.

Healthcare, construction, education, the clean economy and digital technologies are placing a strain on the education and employment pipelines. 

‘As most of Victoria’s future workforce will need a qualification in either vocational education and training (VET) or higher education, we need to guarantee easier access to the training required to secure employment in both established and emerging in-demand industries,’ Committee Chair Alison Marchant said.

First Nations' representatives were among the witnesses who appeared at a public hearing in Geelong.

Members of the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee travelled to regional Victoria as part of the inquiry. They visited South West TAFE in Warrnambool and The Gordon Institute of TAFE in Geelong.

Across seven days of public hearings the Committee heard from a diverse range of experts in training, education and business.

Most notably, evidence given by ten youth associates at a roundtable discussion informed many of the recommendations in the report.

Ten young people, including from regional Victoria gave evidence to the Committee.

The students identified barriers in accessing VET courses, including scheduling, costs and limited subject availability. Those from the regions were particularly impacted. 

‘All these barriers prevent students from engaging with the training and education needed to pursue careers in in-demand industries,’ Ms Marchant said.

The Committee found a shortage of qualified career practitioners in Victorian schools doesn’t allow for thorough and adequate career guidance for students. 

‘In addition, students’ decisions are heavily influenced by their parents, who do not always fully understand the changing labour market and the career opportunities offered by VET,’ Ms Marchant said.

Site visits, including to South West Tafe in Warrnambool, helped to inform the inquiry report.

The recommendations in the report aim to strengthen existing student pathways, expand career education programs, improve partnerships between schools and relevant organisations, and provide tailored supports to parents, students and job seekers.

Some of the students involved in the youth roundtable returned to parliament to watch the tabling of the report in the Legislative Assembly.

Read the report’s 43 recommendations and 49 findings on the Committee’s website.