Mid North Coast residents are being encouraged to future-proof their careers as industries evolve and demand for new skills reshapes the workforce, with Australia expected to add almost one million jobs over the next five years.
Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts total employment will grow by about 6.5 per cent, driven by strong demand in sectors including health care and social assistance, professional services, education and technical industries. The figures highlight the growing importance of practical, job-ready training.
The figures coincide with National Careers Week (11–17 May), which highlights the economic, social and personal benefits of career development and lifelong learning.
TAFE NSW is encouraging Mid North Coast residents to consider how industry-aligned training can help translate career ambitions into practical skills, whether they are entering a new industry, building on existing experience or preparing to move into more senior roles.
Among those to retrain through TAFE NSW Ballina is Courtney Greenslade.
Greenslade, now based in Port Macquarie, moved from a career in banking into marine rescue.
She completed three qualifications in maritime operations, progressing from Marine Rescue volunteer to Inspector with Marine Rescue NSW on Sydney Harbour and now on the Mid North Coast, where she manages emergency responses.
“I started marine rescue as a volunteer, but I knew I liked what I was doing on my own time, outside my banking job, and when you know you know,” Greenslade said.
“My training at TAFE NSW gave me the practical skills and the commercial qualifications I needed to re-skill so I could follow my passion and make a career out of it.
“I’ve found a career where professional and personal growth never stops, I’m always learning and I think that’s important in any job,” she said.
Further underlining demand for practical skills, a recent report from global hiring platform Indeed found job postings in Australia remain elevated, with demand for specialised, job-ready skills continuing to rise.
TAFE NSW managing director Chloe Read said workforce changes were creating new pathways into high-demand industries through practical and flexible training.
“As industries evolve, workforce needs are changing quickly, and training needs to keep pace so people can access emerging opportunities with confidence.
“Education and training at TAFE NSW can include short courses, a mix of online or face-to-face learning and industry work placements, microskills, and microcredentials, so students can build confidence, respond to workforce demand, and move quickly into employment or further study.
“Whether you’re starting out, changing direction, or looking to progress in your career, TAFE NSW is here to help you navigate that journey.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said National Careers Week highlighted the role TAFE NSW plays in delivering job-ready skills.
“Vocational education and training delivers the skills that work for hands-on careers across growing industries. It gives people the opportunity to build confidence, gain experience, and take control of their future career,” he said.
“National Careers Week is an opportunity to recognise the vital role TAFE NSW plays in upskilling our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”
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