Australian businesses are facing a tough reality in 2025: there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to go around. With nearly one in three occupations officially in shortage, sectors like construction, healthcare, aged care and IT are under serious pressure. The result? Projects stall, burnout rises, and productivity takes a hit.
But understanding the landscape is the first step to navigating it. In this article, we explore the most critical gaps facing Australian employers and how international hiring is becoming a strategic and increasingly necessary response.
Construction: trades in crisis
The Federal Government’s goal to build 1.2 million new homes by 2029 has created a surge in demand for tradespeople. Yet many regions are already seeing up to 60% of trade roles going unfilled.
To meet targets, the construction sector needs an estimated 130,000 extra workers and domestic supply simply can’t keep up. Skilled migrants are helping fill this gap, particularly for roles like:
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Scaffolders
- Civil engineers
Employers are increasingly using the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS 482) visa or regional Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) to bring in trade-qualified staff quickly and legally.
Healthcare and aged care: urgent and growing need
Australia’s population is ageing, and the care sector is straining under the pressure. The demand is significant:
- Over 54,000 additional aged care workers needed.
- More than 50,000 registered nurses required to meet upcoming needs.
These roles dominate national skills shortage lists and are increasingly being filled by qualified overseas professionals. Filipino workers, in particular, are helping address gaps in aged care and nursing known for their compassion, qualifications and long-term mindset.
International recruitment offers more than a stopgap; it’s enabling providers to build care teams that can grow with demand.
