Why choose Victoria to build your future career?

Victoria offers incredible opportunities for skilled workers looking to turn their dreams into reality. With a thriving economy and a growing population, Victoria is home to exciting career prospects in key industries like healthcare, education, construction, information technology, agriculture, and clean energy.

Victoria is Australia’s second largest employing state, with around 3.8 million workers. Almost 80% of employment in Victoria is located in Melbourne.

The Snapshot of the Victorian Labour Market 2025 report shows that most new workers in Victoria will require Vocational Education and Training (VET) or higher education qualifications, creating a wealth of opportunities for graduates with the right skills.

According to the Centre for Population’s 2025 Population Statement, Victoria’s population is expected to continue growing significantly over the next decade, which will create additional demand for skilled workers. Jobs and Skills Australia projects that Health Care and Social Assistance will remain the biggest employer in Victoria and across Australia, except in the Australian Capital Territory, by 2035. The construction industry, boosted by major infrastructure projects, is set to become the third-largest employer in the state.

As an international student, this is your chance to align your education with industries that have strong future demand and build a career in one of the most exciting states in Australia.

A growing population means a growing job market

Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, is one of Australia’s largest cities and home to a diverse, growing population, fuelling ongoing demand for skilled workers in a variety of fields, particularly in healthcare and community services.

In recent years, investments in infrastructure have led to an explosion of opportunities in construction, clean energy, and manufacturing. Victoria is also forward-thinking and committed to sustainable development, creating unique chances to work on transformative projects.

Explore careers in these growing industries

The below industries are all looking for new workers in Victoria, and demand is set to increase over the coming months and years.

Accommodation and Food Services

Victoria’s tourism and hospitality industries have long been recognised as vital contributors to the state’s economy. From bustling city centres to picturesque regional destinations, the demand for quality dining, lodging, and customer service continues to grow as local and international tourists seek experiences in Melbourne and beyond. This sector provides a wide range of opportunities, especially for those skilled in:

chefs
café and restaurant managers
hotel and motel managers.

Construction and Engineering

The construction and engineering sectors are experiencing significant growth in Victoria, thanks to major infrastructure projects such as Victoria’s Big Build. In-demand roles include:

construction managers
electricians
plumbers
civil engineers.

For students considering vocational education and training in Victoria, I encourage embracing both the academic and practical aspects of learning. VET programs provide internationally recognised qualifications, hands-on experience, and direct engagement with industry, which together build the confidence, skills and networks necessary for career success. Victoria offers a supportive environment where international students can excel, achieve professional recognition, and contribute meaningfully to Australia’s engineering and construction sectors.

Victoria’s Big Build

Victoria’s Big Build will deliver more than 180 major road and rail projects. International graduates with full Australian working rights may be eligible for the Big Build Graduate Program, a two-year paid opportunity for recent university graduates.

Student in safety gear during woodwork class

Education and Social Assistance

Victoria faces workforce shortages in education and social assistance roles, creating rewarding pathways for those passionate about teaching and helping others. Areas in high demand include:

early childhood educators and child carers
welfare support workers
aged and disability carers
university lecturers and tutors
primary and secondary school teachers.

Financial and Insurance Services

Victoria’s vibrant financial sector supports businesses and individuals with essential services such as investment management, insurance, and economic planning. There is steady demand for skilled professionals in areas like:

management and organisational analysts
financial investment advisers and managers.

Information Technology

In today’s digital world, tech skills are more vital than ever. Australian businesses, including those in Victoria, need skilled professionals for roles such as:

software and application programmers
software testers
cyber security professionals.

Business-focused careers with growing demand include:

advertising professionals
public relations professionals
sales managers.

The Australian Computer Society offers tools and networking opportunities to support emerging IT professionals and help build successful careers while studying.

IT worker with laptop standing in server room

Manufacturing

Victoria has a robust and diversified manufacturing industry that plays a key role in the state’s economy, contributing to the production of goods across sectors such as automotive, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. Continued growth in this sector means career opportunities in roles such as:

production managers
manufacturers
metal fitters and machinists.

Public Administration and Safety

This sector ensures the smooth functioning of government services and public safety, offering meaningful and impactful career opportunities. As a critical area of employment, demand is expected to rise for these roles:

police officers
intelligence and policy analysts
other information and organisation professionals.

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

As technology continues to evolve, Victoria is seeing growth in its professional, scientific, and technical services sectors. Companies require a skilled workforce to develop innovative solutions, streamline operations, and provide professional advice. In-demand job roles include:

software and applications programmers
solicitors
management and organisational analysts.

Transport, Postal and Warehousing

Victoria is a critical hub for national and international trade, relying on efficient transport and logistics networks. The rising demand for goods transportation and streamlined supply chains has created significant job opportunities in this sector. Employers are seeking skilled professionals for roles such as:

travel attendants
supply, distribution, and procurement managers
air transport professionals.

Retail Trade

As a major hub for shopping, fashion, and retail, Victoria’s economy relies heavily on this sector to drive consumer activity and employment. With growing opportunities across the state, roles in demand include:

retail managers
pharmacists
advertising, public relations, and sales managers.

Take the First Step Towards a Career in Victoria

Ready to match your passions and skills with Australia’s in-demand jobs? Use our Course Finder to discover the perfect course for your career goals.