Understanding Australia's future workforce and skills needs is more important than ever, with the continued rise in AI use, the shift to a cleaner economy and global uncertainty changing the skills we need.
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has marked the start of the inaugural Jobs & Skills Month with the release of Pathways to Success – Jobs and Skills Report 2026.
The influential annual report details the latest evidence on jobs, skills and workforce participation to help build a more productive, inclusive and resilient labour market.
JSA has reported that 13.6 million Australians are using AI tools in their daily lives, with usage reaching over 70% among people aged 25-49, making the assessment of Australia’s skills needs more critical with increased use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Jobs and Skills Australia Acting Commissioner Trevor Gauld says, “The increasing scale of AI uptake highlights the growing interconnection between technology, workforce development and Australia’s skills systems.
“Understanding these shifts will be essential to helping Australia prepare for emerging workforce opportunities and challenges.
“The intersection of demand from an ageing population, healthcare, AI, advanced manufacturing, net zero and housing presents both opportunities and challenges, making it more important than ever to develop and fully utilise the skills of all Australians and to harness AI in a way that augments their work, increases productivity and improves living standards.
“This is why this report and the introduction of the national Jobs & Skills Month initiative are so important. Responding to evolving skills needs now will help secure a stronger, more prosperous future for Australia.”
The release of the Jobs and Skills Report marks the launch of the inaugural Jobs & Skills Month, with the theme Pathways to success in recognition of these evolving changes to future careers. The Jobs & Skills Month national calendar features activities being run by participating organisations around the country.
The popular JSA Roadshow is also being held as part of Jobs & Skills Month, with local events in every capital city, the regional centre of Wodonga and online. Registrations are now open.
The Jobs and Skills Report 2026 is now available on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.
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About Jobs and Skills Month
Jobs & Skills Month is a collaborative, national initiative led by Jobs and Skills Australia that runs from 20 October to 20 November 2026. The inaugural program highlights the vital role that the employment, education and training sectors play in supporting individuals, industries and the Australian economy. Visit www.jobsandskillsmonth.gov.au for more information.
About Jobs and Skills Australia
Jobs and Skills Australia is an Australian Government statutory body that provides independent advice, data and analysis on the nation's current, emerging and future workforce, skills and training needs. Visit www.jobsandskills.gov.au for more information.
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