How to Make a Career Change to Australia’s Fastest Growing Industries by 2026
PUBLISHED9 March 2026
WRITTEN BYAllison Roos
The Australian job market is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Driven by an ageing population, the “Big Build” infrastructure boom, and the rapid integration of AI, the roles that were “safe” five years ago may not exist in 2027.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), over 90% of new jobs created over the next five years will require post-secondary qualifications. For students and career-changers at Kirana Colleges, this is an incredible opportunity, if you know where to look.
Here is the breakdown of Australia’s fastest growing industries set to shape the workforce and those facing a sharp decline.
The boom list: where the growth is
The “care economy” remains the undisputed heavyweight of the Australian workforce. By 2026/27, the demand for human-centric roles will far outstrip supply.
Industry |
Growth Driver |
Top Roles in Demand |
Health Care & Social Assistance |
Wage Growth: The final stage of the historic 15–25% pay rise for aged care workers hits in August 2026. |
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) |
Education & Training |
The 3-Day Guarantee: From Jan 2026, the government guarantees 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, skyrocketing demand for staff. |
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care |
Community Services |
Mental Health Surge: New “Community Living Supports” funding (commencing July 2026) is pouring millions into psychosocial support. |
CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health |
The at risk list: The great pivot
Automation and shifting consumer habits are reducing the need for routine manual and clerical labour. If you are in one of these fields, 2026 is your deadline to upskill or pivot.
Industry/role |
The threat (2026 update) |
The Kirana Colleges pivot solution |
Retail & Checkout Operators |
The Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Report indicates a structural shift where service industries now drive 90% of growth, but routine front-facing roles are declining. AI-driven logistics and autonomous “grab-and-go” storefronts have moved from pilot phases to standard practice, reducing entry-level service roles. | CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Why it works: Your “people-first” retail experience is a superpower here. You already know how to manage diverse personalities, communicate clearly, and multitask in busy environments, skills that are essential when supporting the learning and development of young children. |
Routine Clerical & Admin |
The 2025 Generative AI Capacity Study identifies clerical work as having the highest “automation potential.” Generative AI now handles complex scheduling and data synthesis, making traditional admin roles redundant unless they pivot to human-centric management. | CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services
Why it works: You are already an expert at systems, documentation, and coordination. By moving into Community Services, you apply those high-level organisational skills to case management and advocacy, where human empathy and ethics are things AI simply cannot replicate. |
Bank Tellers & Data Entry |
The 2026 Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List notes that clerical roles have seen a stark decline. Digital-first banking is now the primary model, with automated processing systems replacing manual transactional support. | CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
Why it works: Tellers are trained to handle sensitive information and remain calm under pressure while helping people solve problems. This professional boundary-setting and “active listening” is the exact foundation needed to support individuals on their mental health recovery journey. |
Traditional Manufacturing |
According to the National Robotics Strategy, advanced robotics are transforming assembly lines to boost productivity. Workers in this sector are being displaced by precision systems that require significantly fewer human operators for routine manual labour. | CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)
Why it works: Manufacturing workers are often highly reliable, detail-oriented, and used to following strict safety protocols (WHS). These traits make for excellent support workers who can provide safe, high-quality physical and emotional care for our aging population. |
Why the "care economy" is your best bet
While AI can write an email or process a loan, it cannot provide the empathy, physical care, or emotional intelligence required in our top-growth sectors.
- Better pay than ever: 2026 marks a turning point for wages. Between the Aged Care Work Value pay rises and the Fair Work Commission’s permanent 15% wage increase for early childhood workers, these roles are more financially rewarding than ever before. This pay rise is being staggered into the official Award throughout 2026, making it a great time to start the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Kirana Colleges.
- Unbeatable job security: You cannot “outsource” an aged care worker or an early childhood educator. The Jobs and Skills 2026 report confirms that the care sector is the most “automation proof” industry in the country.
- Government-backed training: The Australian Government is heavily subsidising training and providing grants to ensure 128,000 new workers enter the NDIS and care sectors by late 2026.
Is your career future-proof?
The difference between a “doomed” job and a “booming” career is often just one qualification. At Kirana Colleges, we specialise in the industries that Australia needs most. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce for the first time or pivoting away from a declining industry, we have the path ready for you.
Ready to secure your future?
Don’t wait for 2027 to find out your role has been automated. Speak to a Course and Careers Advisor today and start your journey into Australia’s fastest-growing industries.
Data & wage sources:
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Connecting for Impact – The Jobs and Skills Report 2025 Released in late 2025, this report confirms that service industries have driven nearly 90% of employment growth and that “human” skills are the primary defence against AI displacement.
- Jobs and Skills Australia: 2025 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) Update This recent update shows that while some pressures have eased, critical shortages persist in health and education, with “insufficient qualified applicants” being the leading driver.
- The Treasury: Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) 2025–26 Published in December 2025, this provides the most recent government projections for employment growth and the continuing structural shift toward the care economy.
- World Economic Forum / CICA: Future of Jobs Report 2025 (Australia & NZ focus) A fresh 2025 analysis of how AI and automation are specifically transforming Australian job clusters, identifying “Care” and “Education” as the fastest-growing sectors.
- Fair Work Commission: Aged Care Work Value Case (Decision [2024] FWCFB 150) The legal basis for the historic pay rises currently rolling out through 2026.
- NDIS Review: Building a more responsive and supportive workforce (2023–2026 projection) The active roadmap for the 128,000 new workers required in the sector by late 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What support does Kirana Colleges offer students while they study?
Kirana Colleges offers a range of support services to help students feel confident throughout their learning journey. Through AccessEAP, students can access a 24/7 counselling hotline and up to three complimentary counselling sessions. You’ll also have support from the student support team for help with course navigation, study advice, and general questions.Q: How many hours a week should I expect to study online?
If you’re studying full-time, a good guide is around 15-20 hours per week for coursework and assessments. Setting aside regular study time each week can help you stay on track and make steady progress towards your qualification.Q: I’m a mature-aged student. Can I study with Kirana Colleges?
Absolutely. Kirana Colleges supports mature-aged students with flexible online study options that make it easier to balance learning with work, family, and other commitments. You can study at times that suit your schedule and progress at a pace that works for you.Q: Do I need basic computer skills to study online?
Yes. You’ll need basic computer skills to study online, such as using email, browsing the internet, and navigating an online learning platform. If you need help getting started, the Kirana Colleges team can support you with setup and general guidance.Speak to one of our Course and Career’s Advisors
if you have any further questions!
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