As Victoria delivers an unprecedented pipeline of transport, energy, water and social infrastructure projects, workforce availability has emerged as one of the sector’s most pressing challenges. Skills shortages, an ageing workforce, increasing competition for talent and evolving project demands are placing significant pressure on the industry's capacity to deliver major projects on time and at scale. At the same time, new technologies, changing workforce expectations and the transition to a more diverse and inclusive industry are creating opportunities to rethink how talent is attracted, developed and retained.

The session will examine the workforce challenges facing Victoria’s infrastructure sector and explore the strategies needed to build a skilled, resilient and future-ready workforce. It will consider the role of education, training, diversity, technology and industry collaboration in addressing capability gaps, ensuring the sector has the people and skills required to deliver Victoria’s infrastructure ambitions for years to come.