Bendigo Worker Shortfall Opens Pathways Through TAFE and Federal Programs

Bendigo is projected to need 11,655 new workers between 2024 and 2027, with the total rising to 44,124 by 2034, according to the federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Bendigo Local Jobs Plan. Retirements and growth in tourism, hospitality, health and aged care are driving the demand.

Hospital project already delivered construction roles

Bendigo Health remains the largest employer outside Melbourne and Geelong. Its $640 million new hospital produced 5,000 inducted construction jobs and continues to generate ongoing employment across the region, as noted in Greater Bendigo City Council records. Those earlier positions illustrate how major health infrastructure can translate directly into local work when paired with training pipelines.

The federal Workforce Australia Local Jobs program now supports reskilling tailored to these sectors. Bendigo Job Coordinator Christopher Booth oversees the local delivery, linking employers with candidates through targeted upskilling routes.

TAFE centre provides direct entry points

Bendigo TAFE’s state-funded Skills and Jobs Centre supplies free career advice in Bendigo and Echuca. Residents receive independent guidance on training options that match the industries adding the most roles. The centre connects participants with both entry-level positions and longer pathways in health and hospitality.

The earlier GROW Bendigo program recorded more than 240 employment outcomes, including 40 TAFE pathways, before its funding ended in July 2023. Current efforts through the TAFE centre and the federal initiative have taken its place, focusing on the same industries.

People seeking to enter these fields can contact the Skills and Jobs Centre at Bendigo TAFE for an initial discussion or reach the Workforce Australia Local Jobs coordinator for employer-linked training options. Both services operate without charge and draw directly on the documented local demand figures.