IPSWICH is at the forefront of Australia’s vocational training surge, with more than 4700 locals enrolling in TAFE courses between January 2024 and June 2025 as demand for skills accelerates.
Nationally, the latest Jobs and Skills Report from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) shows Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduates are earning a median $14,100 more than before they trained, with employment outcomes also rising sharply.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the findings reinforce the value of government support programs such as Fee-free TAFE.
“With 88 per cent of graduates employed post-qualification compared with 72 per cent before, the benefits for job prospects and future earnings are clear,” he said.
“This shows that the Government’s Fee-free TAFE policy is changing people’s lives. It’s opening doors to new careers and giving people the chance to find secure, well-paid jobs they’re passionate about.”
Mr Neumann said the strong local enrolment numbers – particularly in nursing and early childhood education and care – show Ipswich residents are embracing training opportunities. He encouraged Year 12 graduates and jobseekers to explore courses at the TAFE Ipswich Bundamba campus.
JSA Commissioner Professor Barney Glover said the results highlight the importance of aligning training with a rapidly evolving labour market. He said the benefits were consistent across key groups, including First Nations people, young Australians and people with disability.
“Understanding how well the system delivers the skills students need to succeed post-training, alongside social and structural factors that limit participation, represents a huge economic opportunity,” Professor Glover said.
He also pointed to major shifts occurring as Australia transitions to a service-driven economy and adapts to the rise of artificial intelligence.
While AI is reshaping workplaces, he said current evidence suggests augmentation rather than widespread automation, presenting both challenges and opportunities for emerging workers.
In a further snapshot of the labour market, new data has revealed the most in-demand jobs and skills heading into 2026.
Administration officers lead the vacancy list with nearly 18,000 open roles paying between $65,000 and $80,000 – many requiring no formal qualifications but with VET training offerings. Support workers, teachers and educators also remain in high demand, driven by population ageing and continued expansion of the NDIS.
With strong demand across care, education, trades and administration – and a growing emphasis on transferable interpersonal skills – 2026 is shaping up as an encouraging year for those considering a career change, retraining or upskilling.
