Australia Skill Shortages by JJ Smith July 16, 2025 written by JJ Smith July 16, 2025 23 Are you a skilled worker? Or are you willing to upskill to be more desirable to Australian employers? Australia is experiencing widespread skill shortages across various industries, impacting sectors such as healthcare, teaching, construction, technology and more. Significant skill shortages in blue-collar jobs mean that all trades are in high demand. Several factors contribute to these shortages, including an aging workforce, increased demand for specialised skills, and the lingering effects of border closures during the pandemic. Australia has a history of paying its workers more than NZ, and if living in Australia has always intrigued you, then why not spend some time running the numbers and seeing how much more you will be paid if you make the move to Australia from New Zealand? If you’re qualified (or open to upskilling), there are real opportunities to earn more than you can in NZ, and you may even be paid to make the move. 18 Most In-Demand Jobs Across Australia For 2025 Based on Australia’s 2024 Occupation Shortage List, the roles below are among the most in-demand, and Australian employers are actively seeking skilled workers to help fill these critical gaps. Occupation Skill Level Registered Nurses 1 General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers 1 Aged and Disabled Carers 4 Physiotherapists 1 Psychologists 1 Software and Applications Programmers 1 ICT Business and Systems Analysts 1 Cybersecurity Experts 1 Civil Engineering Professionals 1 Electrical Engineers 1 Construction Managers 1 Electricians 3 Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers 1 Primary School Teachers 1 Secondary School Teachers 1 Plumbers 3 Carpenters and Joiners 3 Metal Fabricators 3 Source: Australia Jobs in Demand – Skilled Occupation List 2025. ANZSCO Skill Level Explained The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) outlines the skill levels required for various occupations. Below is a summary of the five skill levels, from Level 1 (highest) to Level 5 (lowest). Skill Level 1 Level 1 is classed as highly skilled jobs, such as GPs and registered nurses You must have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification You must have at least five years of relevant experience Skill Level 2 Level 2 is classed as skilled jobs, such as web developers and plumbers You must have a diploma or associate degree (Australian AQF Level 5) You must have at least three years of relevant experience Skill Level 3 Level 3 is classed as trade & technical jobs, such as carpenters and joiners You must have a certificate III or IV (Australian AQF Level 3/4) You must have at least three years of relevant work experience Skill Level 4 Level 4 is classed as semi-skilled jobs, such as receptionists and delivery drivers You must have a certificate II or III (Australian AQF Level 2/3) You must have at least one year of relevant experience/training Skill Level 5 Level 5 is classed as low-skilled jobs, such as fruit and vegetable pickers and factory workers You must have a Certificate I (Australian AQF Level 1) or short-term training Skill Shortages Offering Relocation Support Early Childhood Educators The Victorian state government has invested significantly in the Best Start, Best Life reforms, expanding kindergarten programs across the state and creating more career pathways and opportunities for early childhood education (ECE) professionals. There is generous financial support of between $9,000 and $50,000 available for eligible early childhood teachers, plus relocation support of up to $8,000 to help you make the move to Victoria with ease. You can read more in my post about moving from NZ to teach kindergarten. Construction and Trades With major infrastructure projects underway, tradies are in high demand across Australia. Skilled workers in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and civil works may be eligible for both job offers and relocation support. Search Seek.com.au to see what similar roles to yours are paying in Australia. Healthcare and Aged Care Roles There’s a strong demand for nurses, aged care workers, and allied health professionals. Some employers offer relocation incentives of up to $10,000–$20,000 AUD, as well as ongoing professional development support. Register with Healthcare Australia, they assist with your move and offer jobs with great pay and full support. Editor’s sidenote: My sister, who lives in Noosa (over 10 years), completed an Australia government-funded course (disability sector) to find a new career/upskill, and she loves her new job, her workmates, and finds real personal satisfaction in what she does. Butcher (Not advertising relocation support, but probably would!) For any butchers reading this, there is a major shortage in Australia. A Sydney butcher is desperately trying to fill a $130,000 role says he has received more than 140 applications, and “not one was from Australia”. Read more in the News.com.au article, which covers fourth-generation butcher Mr Wright’s recruitment challenges, the broader shortage in skilled trades, the mismatch between high application volume and low suitability, and the long-term impacts of education trends. It also highlights the industry-wide crisis, the economic fallout, and includes expert insights into how Australia could begin to address its growing skills shortage. In-Demand Qualifications As of 2025, Australia’s most in-demand qualifications are tied to industries facing critical skill shortages, particularly due to population growth, infrastructure investment, and healthcare demands. Here’s a list of the most sought-after qualifications: Health & Aged Care Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse) Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care, Disability, or Home & Community) Bachelor of Nursing Certificate IV in Mental Health Allied Health qualifications (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.) Trades & Construction Certificate III in Plumbing Certificate III in Carpentry Certificate III in Electrical Certificate IV in Building and Construction Diploma of Project Management (Construction focus) Education & Early Childhood Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Special mention: The Victorian Government is offering up to $50,000 in incentives for early childhood teachers moving from New Zealand. Learn more. Technology & Cybersecurity Bachelor of IT / Computer Science Certificate IV in Cyber Security Diploma of Information Technology Certifications in cloud, networking, or data analytics (e.g. AWS, Cisco, Microsoft) Engineering & Infrastructure Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) Diploma of Engineering – Technical Construction project management qualifications Business & Logistics Diploma of Logistics Certificate IV in Leadership and Management Certificate IV in Project Management Practice Supply Chain Management certifications Hospitality & Tourism Certificate III in Commercial Cookery Diploma of Hospitality Management Government-Funded Courses in Australia The Australian Government is proactive when it comes to addressing skill shortages, and one of the key ways it does this is by funding training programs to help people upskill and move into in-demand industries. And the amazing news is, New Zealand citizens are eligible for government-funded courses in Australia, YAY! Amended content: Shout out Sara in the comments! I didn’t think SCV holders were eligible for governemnt funded courses in Australia, but thanks to Sara I now know they are. How cool is this online community! Government-funded courses are available through a range of programs aimed at making education more accessible. This often includes fee-free or subsidised training at TAFEs and other registered training organisations, with a strong focus on sectors experiencing workforce shortages. New Zealand citizens on an SCV are also generally eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), meaning the Australian government pays a portion of their tuition fees, similar to Australian citizens, according to Study Assist, an Australian Government website. However, we are not eligible for HELP study loans unless we have been in Australia for 10 years. Therefore, if you’re open to gaining new qualifications, completing a certificate-level course can significantly improve your job prospects. Most certificates take between 6 to 12 months full-time, and many also offer flexible or part-time options. How much could you earn in Australia? According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (November 2024), the average Australian salary is $1,975.80 per week, or $102,741.60 annually. However, it’s important to keep in mind that averages can be skewed by very high earners. A more accurate reflection of what most Australians earn is the median salary, which offers a clearer picture. As of August 2024, the median weekly earnings for all employees are $1,396, which equates to $72,592 per year. When broken down by gender, males earn a median of $1,577 per week ($82,004 annually), while females earn $1,200 per week ($62,400 annually), according to the ABS. For a breakdown of industries, age, and state, read the recently published guide, Average Salary in Australia by Age, State, and Industry by Man of Many. What This Means for You If you’ve been thinking about moving to Australia, finding a job will be high on your to-do list, and now is a great time to explore your options. With strong demand across key industries and attractive incentives on offer, your skills (or future skill base) aren’t just welcomed, they’re being actively recruited. Start preparing, do your research, and make a plan for your future in Australia: Update your CV to highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Explore job websites like Seek.com.au to see what’s available in your field. Connect with Australian recruitment agencies by taking note of recruiters listed on job ads and reach out to them directly. A quick phone call can go a long way. Ask employers about any relocation support or incentives they offer. You might also be interested in… The below posts might interest you: Jobs in Australia Documentation needed when moving to Australia Australian Tax – what you need to know Do you have unanswered questions? I’m here to help! If you want to know something specific about Moving to Australia, you can ask me in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction. If I haven’t covered it on this site, I will research the answer for you. This website’s up-to-date, comprehensive content has helped many New Zealanders plan their moves to OZ. Australian Tax – what you need to knowOpen an Australian Bank AccountWhich city to move to in Australia 14 comments FacebookPinterest JJ Smith previous post Move from NZ to teach kindergarten next post Jobs in Australia You may also like Moving to Australia Process November 12, 2024 Documentation needed when moving to Australia March 25, 2024 Money – What You Need to Know February 17, 2024 Open an Australian Bank Account November 6, 2024 Foreign Exchange/Money Transfer November 6, 2024 $19,000 exchange fee shocks family January 14, 2025 Australian Tax November 14, 2024 Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN) October 15, 2025 Jobs in Australia May 3, 2024 Move from NZ to teach kindergarten October 18, 2024 14 comments Rebecca McNeile August 17, 2025 - 5:28 pm I am a registered nurse of 31 years I did a diploma in comprehensive nursing and 2 years ago a post graduate degree in clinical leadership and forensic nursing last 15 years have been in mental health any jobs in Sydney or Noosa for short term contracts Reply JJ Smith September 3, 2025 - 12:18 pm Hi Rebecca, Sorry for the delay in replying. With 31 years of experience, a postgrad in clinical leadership and forensic nursing, and 15 years in mental health, you have an incredible skill set that is in high demand in Australia. Both Sydney and Noosa (and the Sunshine Coast more broadly) have a strong need for mental health nurses, and short-term contract roles are often available through agencies. For short-term contracts, your best bet is to register with nursing recruitment agencies such as: – Healthcare Australia (HCA) – https://healthcareaustralia.com.au/ – Medacs Healthcare – https://apac.medacs.com/ – Drake Medox – https://drakemedox.co.nz/ They place nurses into locum and contract roles across NSW and QLD, including mental health. You’ll also want to check NSW Health and Queensland Health job boards directly, as they regularly advertise both fixed-term and contract positions in public hospitals and community mental health services. Before you can start, make sure your AHPRA nursing registration is current (or apply if you haven’t already), as this is essential for working in Australia. You can read more about that here – https://www.epworth.org.au/blog/2023/nursing-in-australia-from-new-zealand. With your background, I’d expect you’ll have no trouble finding short-term work in either Sydney or Noosa. Good Luck. Reply Folole August 16, 2025 - 7:16 am Hi There, We are looking at moving next year. However, I would really like to get a job offer before making the move. As this would give me stability and control on my decision making. Also I am in the supply chain industry as an Inventory Coordinator. Do you have any agency/s contacts that I could keep in touch with please? Reply JJ Smith September 3, 2025 - 2:21 pm Hi, Having a job lined up before moving definitely gives you more stability and confidence in the decision. As an Inventory Coordinator in supply chain, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in Australia, especially in the larger cities where logistics and warehousing are big industries. A good starting point is to register with specialist recruitment agencies such as: – Hays Recruitment – strong in supply chain and logistics roles across Australia – Michael Page – has a dedicated supply chain & procurement division – Randstad – places candidates in warehousing, logistics, and supply chain positions I recommend reaching out to agencies now, sharing your CV, and letting them know your timeline. That way, they can keep you in mind for roles that come up closer to your arrival. You can also search directly on job platforms like Seek and Indeed, where most employers and agencies list current openings. Seek.com.au currently have 7,551 jobs for a Inventory Coordinator across Australia, so it’s best that you jump in and cut this back by looking into regions that you would like to move to in Australia and get to know the Australian job market – https://www.seek.com.au/inventory-coordinator-jobs. Wishing you the best of luck with the move and the job hunt! Reply Sally N July 22, 2025 - 4:04 pm Hi great to read your site info. My 19 yr old son is just starting his 2nd year as an Electrical Apprentice and he is looking to move to Queensland. It looks like he may get funding for TAFE courses, as a NZ citizen – is that right? But no other incentives to move and continue his apprenticeship training? Thanks Reply JJ Smith July 29, 2025 - 4:28 pm Hi Sally, Thanks for your comment. Is your son studying or is he earning his qualification while working? His 1st year of training should be recognised in Australia. Yes, your son may get funding for electrical apprenticeship training at TAFE Queensland. Here is a link so he can check out the different options: https://tafeqld.edu.au/search-results?searchterm=Electrical%20Apprenticeship®ion=&type=courses. But as you would have read, he will not be eligible for HELP student loans, so will need to pay any costs upfront. Incentives will be offered by employers directly, but I have not been able to find any job posts with incentives advertised. For on the job training, he should search Seek.com.au: https://www.seek.com.au/. I hope the above helps. Reply Juanita Nieuwoudt July 20, 2025 - 7:52 pm Hi, my husband and I are interested in joining our son in Goulburn next year. I’m a Level 4 Pharmacy Technician and not sure how the levels or qualification regarding Technicians work. Any resources or information you can help me with. Regards Reply JJ Smith July 21, 2025 - 12:36 pm Hi Juanita, Thank you for your comment. Your Level 4 Pharmacy Technician qualification from New Zealand should be recognised in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA). This agreement allows many NZ qualifications to be accepted in Australia, meaning you generally won’t need to complete further study or exams to work in your field. As a New Zealander moving on an SCV (Special Category Visa), your qualifications should be recognised by employers, and you’ll be able to start work as soon as you secure a role. Regarding finding a Pharmacy Technician job in Goulburn, there are not a lot of job listings on Seek, so you should think outside the box slightly: https://www.seek.com.au/pharmacy-technician-jobs/in-Shepparton-&-Goulburn-Valley-VIC. Definitely keep an eye on Seek.com.au, but also consider reaching out directly to pharmacies in Goulburn. Let them know you’re planning to move to the area to be closer to your son and ask if they anticipate any upcoming vacancies. Be sure your CV is up to date and ready to include with your enquiry. It would also be worth having a good read through Google search results, as a position might pop up another platform: https://www.google.com/search?q=goulburn+pharmacy+technician+jobs&client=firefox-b-e&sca_esv=5fcd1579d98d7844&ei=QYh9aOOGKfGE4-EPjorxyQY&oq=goulburn+Pharmacy+Technician+&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiHWdvdWxidXJuIFBoYXJtYWN5IFRlY2huaWNpYW4gKgIIADIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigAUilKlDEDljwIHABeAGQAQCYAcgCoAGkBqoBBTItMi4xuAEDyAEA-AEB-AECmAIEoALJBsICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAg0QABiABBiwAxhDGIoFwgIOEAAYsAMY5AIY1gTYAQHCAhMQLhiABBiwAxhDGMgDGIoF2AEBwgIiEC4YgAQYsAMYQxjHARiYBRjIAxiZBRiKBRieBRivAdgBAcICGRAuGIAEGLADGEMYxwEYyAMYigUYrwHYAQHCAgoQABiABBhDGIoFwgIKEC4YgAQYQxiKBcICEBAuGIAEGEMYxwEYigUYrwHCAgUQLhiABJgDAIgGAZAGE7oGBggBEAEYCZIHBzEuMC4yLjGgB9QcsgcFMi0yLjG4B7gGwgcFMi0yLjLIByA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp. I hope the above helps. Reply Sara July 16, 2025 - 4:08 pm Great content! I moved over from Wellington to Melbourne in 2023 and your information helped me do it! However, New Zealand citizens are definitely eligible for government-funded courses, eg free TAFE – I just recently completed the Individual Support one for free! We’re also considered domestic students and qualify for Commonwealth supported places in higher education. Unfortunately, unless a NZer has a special category visa, we’re not eligible for HELP loans. I found this out *after* we moved and with two uni students it’s rather challenging having to pay upfront for tuition. On the plus side, they won’t be burdened with student debt! Reply JJ Smith July 16, 2025 - 5:26 pm Hi Sara, Thank you so much for comment and compliment! I’m so happy my content helped you. That’s the best part of my job I really appreciate you pointing out that New Zealanders are eligible for government-funded courses. I will amend my content asap, as that is amazing. I love your positivity about the loan. Yes, we aren’t eligible for study loans, but why should that stop you! I hope you’re loving Melbourne. It’s such a very cool city. Thanks again, JJ Smith Reply Mike July 16, 2025 - 3:32 pm I need a secondary teaching job where there is relocation please? Kind regards, Mike Reply JJ Smith July 16, 2025 - 5:43 pm Hi Mike, You can find secondary teaching jobs with relocation support by search Seek.com.au, e.g. https://www.seek.com.au/secondary-teacher-with-relocation-support-jobs. Each Australia state and territories governments control any government level incentives and I can’t find any other than Gov VIC’s early childhood teachers Kinder program, so I recommend searching for individual companies that are listing relocation support or financial incentives. You can also ask if they offer any relocation support. I hope the above helps. Reply Scott Martin July 16, 2025 - 3:16 pm Hello, my wife and I maybe interested in joining our son in Melbourne, but not sure if my traffic mgmt qualifications and experience as a STMS would be acceptable or do I have to start again? Reply JJ Smith July 16, 2025 - 5:07 pm Hi Scott, Thanks for your comment. In general, New Zealander qualifications are transferable to Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition arrangement. New Zealand qualifications are generally recognized in Australia due to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement. This means that some New Zealand qualifications may be recognized without needing further assessment, particularly for university degrees, certificates, and certain registered occupations like plumbers and electricians. If you want to confirm if you qualifications are accepted in Australia, I think the easiest way is to search Seek.com.au (https://www.seek.com.au/) for a relevant position and call/contact the company or recruitment agency who listed the job. Who knows, you might end up sending them your CV, so get it ready. To work as a Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) in Victoria, you will need to obtain a White Card after your arrive in Australia. White Card’s cannot be tested for in New Zealand. A White Card is mainly for health and safety in the workplace, which is taken very seriously in Australia. You can read more in my White Card Australia post – https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/white-card-australia/. You will also need to complete a refresher traffic management course every three years, but I am sure your employer will help you with this. Here are some links to check out: – Traffic Contoller, Seek.com.au – https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/traffic-controller – MultiSkills Training – https://www.multiskills.com.au/authorised-traffic-controllers-in-victoria/ I hope the above helps. Good luck. Reply Leave a Reply to JJ Smith Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
