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The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Gippsland region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. Whilst the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills and training responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.

Gippsland covers a vast area from outer eastern Melbourne to the eastern-most point in Victoria. It encompasses the local government areas of Latrobe City and the Shires of Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Wellington. The region is home to the Gunaikurnai, Bunurong, Wurundjeri and Taungurung Nations, who have lived, worked and cared for their Country and resources for many thousands of years. Gippsland had a resident population of 300,664 at the time of the 2021 census with recent growth exceeding population projections at 1.6 per cent in 2020-21. After a turbulent period of natural disasters, the pandemic, and rapid and anticipated transitioning of the energy and resources industries, Gippsland is poised for growth. It is well positioned to reap the benefits of the State Electricity Commission and clean energy, a growing population, the return of tourists, infrastructure investment, and increasing consumer demand for food and fibre products.

Historically, Gippsland has been Victoria's fossil-fuel based energy production powerhouse creating a skilled workforce and significant infrastructure. This makes it an ideal location to lead the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. The region has an abundance of natural resources, which underpins the energy and mining industry and nature-based tourism. Demand for service-based industries is across the sectors of food, retail, health care and community services, and utilities. An expansive land base supports a competitive advantage in food and fibre industries, which supply the local manufacturing industry to meet domestic and export demand. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with more than 7,750-10,500 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025. At least 6,000 workers will also be needed to replace retirements.

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The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Loddon Campaspe region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. While the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills and training responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.

The Loddon Campaspe region is situated in central Victoria with a population of more than 253,000 people. It encompasses the local government areas of Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander. The region is home to Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Baraba Baraba, Ngurraiillam, Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta peoples, who have lived, worked, and cared for their Country and resources for many thousands of years. Since 2011, the region's population has grown more than 17 per cent - 35,000 people - with Bendigo experiencing the largest total population increase with more than 20,000 new residents from 2011 to 2021. Running through the centre of the region is the Employment and Innovation Corridor which connects Melbourne to Bendigo and through to Echuca. It provides road and fast rail connectivity through much of the region and is underpinned by enabling physical and digital infrastructure.

Loddon Campaspe has a well-established food and fibre sector that prides itself on its reputation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The agricultural industry is experiencing intensification and adopting new innovations to drive productivity, which is changing the nature of skills and training required in the region. Loddon Campaspe is home to Victoria's largest gold mine and the ground released for further gold exploration in 2021 is expected to generate significant economic growth and jobs in mining and exploration. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with more than 6,900 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025. At least 5,600 workers will also be needed to replace retirements.

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The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Goulburn region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. While the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.

The Goulburn region is situated in the heart of regional Victoria with a population of more than 175,000 people. It encompasses the local government areas of the Mitchell, Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Moira, and Murrindini. The region is home to Yorta Yorta, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Nations, who have lived, worked, and cared for their Country and resources for many thousands of years. Since 2011, the region's population has grown more than 18 per cent - or 27,000 people - with the Mitchell Shire experiencing a 40 per cent population increase between 2011 and 2021, growing by more than 14,000 residents. The local economy was largely founded upon agricultural activity, and this is a legacy that continues today with Goulburn recognised as one of the largest food bowls of Victoria.

There is growing industry investment and a desire for growth within Goulburn among current and emerging industries, particularly in the clean energy sector. This sector is developing at a rapid pace due to geographic location and new investment across business, government, and local communities. Goulburn's strong economic outlook, coupled with accelerated population growth, will require greater investment in social infrastructure and services and a skilled workforce to support current and emerging industry growth. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with more than 4,080 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025. At least 3,600 workers will also be needed to replace retirements.

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The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Central Highlands region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. While the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.

The Central Highlands region extends west of Melbourne, encompassing the local government areas of Ararat, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Pyrenees and Moorabool Shires. The region has experienced a 23 per cent increase in population between 2011 and 2021 – the second highest growth rate in Victoria's regions and higher than population growth in Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, over 212,000 people live in the Central Highlands region. The regional economy has evolved over the years from a reliance on manufacturing and agriculture towards service-based sectors, including health and education, driven by population growth, and maturing of key social infrastructure.

Agriculture and manufacturing remain important local industries, drawing on the region's natural assets and strategic connections to markets via road and rail freight networks. Key industries in the Central Highlands region are diverse yet interconnected. There are many points of intersection and connectivity between industries that support supply chains and other outcomes for the regional community and economy. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with more than 5,880 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025. At least 4,870 workers will also be needed to replace retirements.

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The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Wimmera Southern Mallee region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. Whilst the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills and training responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.

The Wimmera Southern Mallee covers a large area in the west of Victoria and has more than 48,400 residents. It encompasses the local government areas of Horsham Rural City and the Shires of Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack. The region is home to Wotjobaluk People, being the Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and the Jupagalk alongside the Dja Dja Wurung People, as well as other Traditional Owner groups who are not formally recognised, who have lived, worked, and cared for their Country and resources for many thousands of years. Comprising a range of natural assets and critical industries, the region contributes considerably to Victoria's economy and has the potential to extend its influence and impact through growth in a number of areas. A strong agricultural presence creates opportunities for growth, as technological advancements push businesses to become more efficient. The increasing uptake of technology will create demand for higher skilled workers who can work alongside advanced technology.

The region's natural-based tourism experiences are set to attract visitors to the region as tourism increases post the pandemic, creating flow-on demand for the retail trade, accommodation, and food service sectors. Natural endowments also present opportunity for the mining industry, with the region's mineral sands deposits in high global demand and the development of wind farms highlighting the region's clean energy production potential. These industries hold the potential for long-term, large-scale growth, but will require a large-scale workforce, likely with an augmented skill mix. This diversification of industry has changed the nature of skills and training required in the region. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with 1,700-2,400 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025. At least 1,210 workers will also be needed to replace retirements.

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The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Ovens Murray region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. While the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills and training responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.

The Ovens Murray region is in the north-east of Victoria and has more than 134,500 residents. It encompasses the local government areas of Benalla Rural City, Mansfield Shire, Wangaratta Rural City, Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire, Wodonga City and Towong Shire. The region is home to Taungurung, Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai Nations, as well as other Traditional Owner groups who are not formally recognised, who have lived, worked, and cared for their Country and resources for many thousands of years. The economy of Ovens Murray is diverse and highly interconnected. The region's natural assets - including mountains, waterways, and pastures - support strong agriculture and tourism industries that serve national and international markets. A large manufacturing industry, dominated by food processing, builds on the region's agricultural strengths.

Large national and multinational companies operate in the region such as MARS, Asahi, and Uncle Tobys. Other key sectors include metal and machinery manufacturing, which makes up 17 per cent of manufacturing industry economic output, and wood product manufacturing, which makes up 6.5 per cent. The region's strategic location between Sydney and Melbourne supports a significant transport and logistics industry. The region is home to substantial transport and logistics hubs including LOGIC in Wodonga, which has the ability to transport goods to 75 per cent of Australia's population within 24 hours. Transport is also a critical enabler of tourism, with local bus lines supporting movement of tourists across the region. This diversification of industry has changed the nature of skills and training required in the region. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with 3,850 to 5,300 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025. At least 7,000 workers will also be needed to replace retirements.

Edited excerpts from publications. Show less

The purpose of the profiles is to provide a robust evidence base of skills and workforce demands to guide education and skills responses in the region. It draws on a wide range of data and information supplemented by insights and experience of key local stakeholders, brought together as a Regional Skills Taskforce and industry roundtables. This profile focuses on the three-year outlook for the Barwon region, and the education and training opportunities that can assist in developing the required workforce. While the profile acknowledges that many factors contribute to economic development, this work is centred on the skills and training responses (to engage, train and retain the workforce) rather than other levers that are also essential to secure labour and ensure the region's prosperity.

The Barwon region is situated south-west of Melbourne, encompassing the local government areas of City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, and Borough of Queenscliffe. Barwon is Victoria's most populated regional area, home to over 334,400 people. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria, famous for its natural landscapes and coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine Peninsula. In 2019, the region hosted upward of 2.5 million domestic and international visitors.

Historically, Barwon was known for manufacturing. The closure of large multinational firms, including Alcoa and Ford in 2014 and 2016 respectively, challenged the economic and social future of the region. In the years since, Barwon has experienced an incredible rebound and accelerated growth. The economy has transitioned from a reliance on manufacturing to a more diversified range of industries. This has enabled growth across the region and boosted economic prosperity, employment, and population growth so that Barwon is now the largest regional contributor to total Victorian Gross Value Added. The three-year employment projections show significant demand for workers in the region - with more than 10,530 additional new workers required in the three years between 2022 and 2025.

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The 2024 skills plan guides and coordinates the efforts of key stakeholders in the skills system including government, training providers, industry and learners to realise the shared vision of a skilled workforce. It identifies areas for action to support Victoria's economic priorities, including improving productivity, increasing employment and enhancing economic inclusion.

Building on the work program established in previous plans, the 2024 plan focuses on strategies to: (1) deliver knowledge and skills that strengthen economic growth, and enable the delivery of government priorities, with Victorian TAFEs leading the training response; (2) make it easier for people to access vocational education and training (VET), up-skill and re-skill; and (3) better connect secondary school students to the world of work. The 2024 plan takes a broad view across the economy, with a strong emphasis on addressing the urgent workforce requirements in housing. This includes recommendations to encourage more people to choose a career in construction and make it easier for existing skilled workers to join the construction workforce and stay in the industry to grow their career.

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