Future Jobs Grow Beyond University Degrees

Australia is working to increase the number of university graduates to prepare for complex, high-skill jobs. However, new research shows that many future roles will not actually require formal degrees, revealing a growing gap between education policy and the needs of the workforce.

The Australian government has set an ambitious target. By 2050, it wants 80% of working-age people to hold a vocational or university qualification. This goal drives much of the current education agenda. New research from the Mitchell Institute, though, suggests that while future jobs will demand stronger skills, a university degree will not always be necessary.

Over the next decade, employment in Australia is expected to grow by 13.7%. This growth will add nearly 2 million jobs, with key increases in healthcare, social assistance, education and professional services. Despite this shift toward skilled work, almost half of the new roles created in the past year were filled by people with vocational training rather than university degrees. This points to changing routes into skilled employment.

The main challenge now is striking the right balance. Although formal education still plays a key role, the Mitchell Institute supports a broader approach to skills training. Targeted short courses and workplace learning could provide faster, more flexible access to careers in high-demand sectors. These options also help people avoid delays in entering the workforce or taking on large student debts.

For both job seekers and policymakers, this means rethinking how Australians build employable skills. With 950,000 positions expected to open in the next five years, developing alternative pathways in care, tech and trades may be critical for long-term productivity and a resilient workforce. 

Source: Australian Financial Review. Jobs and Skills