Our places
Our project is exploring what is going on at the national scale across Australia.
We’re also doing a deep dive into three places in regional Victoria where different kinds of transformations are currently happening in worlds of work.
Latrobe
Research in Latrobe Valley will be undertaken by Elisabetta, who says:
“Reskilling in Latrobe is not just about technical skills; it involves addressing equity, inclusion, and access to education and support services to ensure all communities can thrive in a low-carbon future. I’m looking forward to talking to people to understand what the process of reskilling actually entails in their everyday lives.”
Latrobe Valley, in Gippsland, is undergoing one of Australia’s most significant economic transitions, making it a vital case study for understanding how communities reskill for the future of work.
Historically the heart of Victoria’s coal-fired power generation, Latrobe is now navigating a profound economic transformation.
Several challenges are shaping its employment landscape:
Energy Transition
The closure of coal mines and power stations is driving a shift toward renewable energy, hydrogen, and bioenergy. While these sectors promise new opportunities, they require diverse technical skills that many workers have yet to acquire.
Industrial Restructuring
Traditional manufacturing and timber industries are contracting, while advanced manufacturing and aerospace are emerging. This transition demands reskilling in automation, robotics, and digital technologies.
Workforce Barriers
Latrobe Valley faces persistent unemployment and an ageing population, alongside youth outmigration. Priority cohorts, including First Nations peoples, CALD communities, and women, experience additional barriers such as transport, caring responsibilities, and digital access.
Health and Social Care Demand
An ageing population and rising health needs are creating strong demand for skilled workers in allied health, aged care, and telehealth, which are sectors requiring tailored training pathways.
Sources: Gippsland REDS (2022); Gippsland Transition Plan (2023); Gippsland Local Jobs Plan (2025); Latrobe City Council Plan (2025–2029).
Take part
If you are involved in conversations about reskilling in industry, training, education, and government in Latrobe Valley, Elisabetta would love to hear from you!
Please share your details here and Elisabetta will get back to you shortly.