Gippsland regional skills demand profile 2023

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.

Edited excerpts from publications. Show less