Skills shortages in Australia continue to shape the labour market. Employers are filling more jobs than they were a year ago, showing that vacancy pressure is easing. Yet, beneath this improvement lies a deeper challenge businesses cannot always find the right skills to match their needs.

For job seekers, this presents opportunities to step into high-demand careers. For employers, it means rethinking recruitment strategies, training pathways and workforce planning. At Talenthub, we help both groups adapt to these realities by focusing on industries where shortages are most pressing, such as healthcare jobs and disability support in Australia.

Job Vacancy Pressure Eases, But Regional Gaps Persist

Across metropolitan areas, employers are finding it easier to hire, with larger pools of candidates available. However, regional and rural employers still face hurdles. Many healthcare providers in regional towns, for instance, struggle to attract nurses, disability support staff or aged care professionals.

This uneven distribution of talent highlights a key issue: while vacancies are easier to fill overall, regional Australia still bears the brunt of shortages.

Employers can address this by offering relocation support, housing incentives or flexible arrangements. Job seekers who are open to regional roles often enjoy faster career progression and stronger job security.

Healthcare and Disability Services Under Pressure

Among all industries, healthcare and disability services face the strongest shortages. Employers urgently need occupational therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, aged care workers and NDIS support staff.

With an ageing population and growing demand for disability services, these shortages will persist for years to come. Unlike oversupplied professions, healthcare and disability support roles offer job security and career growth, making them attractive for job seekers seeking stability.

Employers in these sectors should partner with healthcare recruitment agencies like Talenthub to access qualified candidates and streamline hiring.

VET-Trained Roles Remain Difficult to Fill

Skills shortages in Australia are most severe in Vocational Education and Training (VET)-qualified jobs. Electricians, welders, disability support workers, chefs and aged care staff are consistently hard to recruit.

This stems from a decline in apprenticeships and fewer young people completing VET qualifications. As industries such as aged care and energy expand, these shortages will only intensify.

Employers who invest in apprenticeship programs and structured training secure long-term talent pipelines. Meanwhile, job seekers who pursue VET qualifications can walk directly into well-paid, in-demand jobs with clear career pathways.

Oversupply in ICT and Management

Not all industries face shortages. In fields such as ICT and management, the number of applicants exceeds available vacancies. This oversupply means job seekers face intense competition, while employers can afford to be more selective.

For candidates, this highlights the importance of up skilling or retraining into industries facing shortages. Transitioning into healthcare or support roles, for example, can create better job prospects than remaining in oversupplied sectors.

Gender Imbalances Worsen Shortages

Skills shortages in Australia are also shaped by gender imbalances. Male-dominated industries, such as construction and engineering, require far more applicants per vacancy compared to female-dominated fields like aged care and education.

Employers who broaden their recruitment strategies to attract more women into trades or more men into care-based roles can significantly improve hiring success. At the same time, job seekers who cross traditional gender boundaries often find abundant opportunities in industries with high demand.

Education and Employability Gaps

Another contributor to shortages is the gap between formal education and workplace readiness. Employers frequently report that graduates lack soft skills such as communication, teamwork and adaptability, even when they possess technical knowledge.

Employers can address this by offering internships, mentoring and graduate programs. Job seekers should focus on developing employability skills alongside formal qualifications, ensuring they are better prepared for real-world workplace demands.

Apprenticeships: A Key to Closing the Gap

Apprenticeships are vital to solving long-term skills shortages in Australia, yet commencements have declined significantly. Without enough apprentices, industries such as housing, aged care, energy and defence face serious workforce challenges.

At the same time, more young Australians are beginning to view trades as practical and secure alternatives to office-based jobs. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and even disability care apprenticeships are regaining popularity.

Employers who create supportive and well-structured apprenticeship programs will attract younger generations. Job seekers who embrace these pathways gain hands-on learning, qualifications and clear career prospects.

Final Thoughts: Turning Shortages Into Opportunities

While vacancy pressure is easing, skills shortages in Australia remain one of the biggest challenges for businesses and job seekers alike. Healthcare, disability support and VET-trained roles are the hardest to fill, while oversupplied professions struggle with too many applicants.

Employers must act now by investing in apprenticeships, offering training opportunities and adopting inclusive hiring practices. Meanwhile, job seekers should focus on industries where demand continues to grow, such as healthcare and disability services.

Talenthub remains committed to bridging the gap helping businesses secure the right people and supporting job seekers in building meaningful, long-term careers.

Source- https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/news/job-vacancy-pressure-eases-skills-gaps-remain-key-sectors