Critical skills areas
As part of the NSW Skills Plan 2024–28: Building Skills and Shaping Success, 6 critical skills areas have been identified as top priorities to meet growing demand, address workforce shortages and respond to rapid industry changes.
Explore the key industries and training opportunities in each of these areas and discover how they’re shaping the future of work in NSW.
The use of cutting-edge technology and robust business models is what separates advanced manufacturing from regular manufacturing. This industry is vital in creating high-quality employment opportunities across the state.
Occupations
- Product assemblers
- Product quality controllers
- Mechanical engineering technicians
- Maintenance planners
- Metal fabricators
Qualifications
The agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors face evolving opportunities and challenges that will shape how products are grown, harvested and sold. To ensure food security and sustainability, the workforce must continuously enhance its skills and adapt practices for a more resilient, sustainable and productive future in NSW.
Occupations
- Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operators
- Logging plant operators
- Agricultural and agritech technicians
- Animal husbandry technicians
- Irrigation designers
Qualifications
Care involves activities that develop and maintain peoples’ capabilities, independence or quality of life. This includes early childhood education and care, disability care, and aged care. These activities make a significant contribution to the overall workforce and economy.
Occupations
- Aged and disabled carers
- Nursing support and personal care workers
- Early childhood (pre-primary school) teachers
- Welfare support workers
- Health and welfare services managers
Qualifications
With its growing population, NSW needs to increase housing supply and infrastructure for all residents.
Occupations
- Technicians and trades workers
- Inspectors and regulatory officers
- Earthmoving plant and Bulldozer operator
- Plumber
Qualifications
- Certificate III in Carpentry – CPC30220
- Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying – CPC33020
- Certificate III in Concreting – CPC30320
- Certificate III in Civil Construction – RII30920
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – UEE30820 (for electrical trades)
- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety – BSB41419
- Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations – RII30820
- Certificate III in Plumbing – CPC32420 (includes specialisations in water, drainage, gas, etc.)
- Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services – CPC40920
Technological advances are creating new industries and transforming the way we live, work and learn. Digital skills are now essential for individuals and companies.
Occupations
- Hardware technicians
- ICT support technicians
- ICT customer support officers
- Developer programmers
- Cyber security analysts
Qualifications
Reaching Net Zero by 2050 needs a clean energy workforce that will enable the transition to renewable energy sources.
Occupations
- Metallurgical and materials technicians
- Electricians
- Automotive electricians
- Electronic equipment trades workers
- Metal fabricators
Qualifications
- Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques – MSL40122
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – UEE30820
- Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology – AUR30320
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications – UEE30920
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade – MEM31922
Discover how to turn your interests into a future with the right training.