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Future job growth in Melbourne’s west

Explore jobs in demand and how many workers will be needed in the coming years.

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The future workforce

Large housing developments and new communities are popping up across Melbourne’s west. It is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. There is no shortage of job opportunities.

From transport and logistics to health care and education, there are options available for those starting their career or looking to change. Major hubs include Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Footscray, Sunshine and Melton.

Many construction activities are planned to support a growing population in the coming years. There is a large pipeline of work. This will create thousands of jobs in the coming years, so people who live in the area can find work close to home.

The projected number of new workers expected in Melbourne’s west is:

Top jobs with a VET pathway

Below are some top occupations in western metropolitan Melbourne which can be entered through a Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

Occupation Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Carpenters and joiners 5,575 1,006 2,498
Child carers 6,625 877 4,007
Education aides 3,844 455 1,669
Registered nurses 8,092 1,265 4,666
Truck drivers 12,591 1,860 6,801

Top industries

Below are the top 10 industries in western metropolitan Melbourne in 2024. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

Industry Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Health care and social assistance 56,059 10,382 40,687
Construction 51,337 11,748 29,801
Transport, postal and warehousing 48,598 6,885 25,478
Retail trade 50,624 5,165 22,423
Education and training 36,713 5,116 20,377
Accommodation and food services 24,810 2,535 11,216
Manufacturing 33,648 3,233 11,009
Professional, scientific and technical services 20,239 2,787 9,854
Public administration and safety 19,203 2,442 9,310
Administrative and support services 11,915 1,402 6,092

Resources to plan your next steps

Visit our Melbourne’s western region profile to learn more about:

Explore growing industries across Victoria

Training and careers in growing industries

Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Training and careers in your region

Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Updated 3 March 2025

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