Australia will need 3.5 million skilled professionals in finance, technology, and business by 2030—an increase of almost 450,000 roles compared to today—but is on track to fall significantly short, according to a new report by the Future Skills Organisation.
The Workforce Plan 2025: Pathways to Impact report reveals that if current trends continue, Australia will be left with a shortfall of nearly 250,000 workers within five years. The biggest gap is expected in technology jobs (131,000), followed by finance (64,000), and business (48,000).
“Emerging technologies are reshaping the nature of work across Australia’s finance, technology, and business sectors,” said Patrick Kidd OBE OAM, Chief Executive Officer at Future Skills Organisation.
“Digital capability and AI literacy are now fundamental across all industries. Our education and training system must keep pace to ensure more Australians are equipped with the skills they need to thrive.”
The report outlines an urgent need to embed digital skills across the economy and deliver faster, more flexible training pathways. It also highlights four key strategies to close the skills gap: strengthening skills-based learning, embedding digital capability at every level, enabling learner-centred education, and promoting diversity as a deliberate talent strategy.
Kidd emphasised that strong collaboration between employers and education providers will be critical:
“We must deepen partnerships between industry and training providers and invest in skills solutions which can be delivered at scale to benefit learners and employers.”
Currently, about one in four professionals in finance, tech, and business are on a visa, underscoring the role migration continues to play in meeting workforce needs. However, the report suggests that migration alone will not be enough to fill the looming gap.
Declining completion rates in higher education and vocational training, along with high attrition in both training and employment, are additional pressures. The report stresses the need to invest in reskilling and upskilling, especially for mid-career Australians looking to pivot into future-focused industries.
Liam O’Brien, Assistant Secretary at the Australian Council of Trade Unions, backed the report’s findings, calling the projected shortfall of nearly 250,000 skilled workers by 2030 “a clear call to action.” He stressed that high staff turnover must be addressed through better retention strategies, improved job quality, and more responsive training pathways.
“Closing the skills gap means investing in people — ensuring every worker has the opportunity to grow, adapt, and thrive in a changing economy.”
With digital transformation accelerating across all sectors, the message from the report is clear: Australia must act now—or risk being left behind.
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