Australia — As the workplace evolves at breakneck speed, driven by technological change, shifting economic priorities, and post-pandemic transformation, Australians are rapidly acquiring new capabilities to stay relevant and competitive. From artificial intelligence literacy and strategic thinking to communication and adaptability, the nation’s skills portfolio is transforming — and fast. Employers, educators and workers alike are racing to build competencies that reflect the realities of the 2020s and the decade ahead.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the skills Australians are learning the fastest right now, what’s driving this change, and what it means for the future of jobs and careers.
AI Literacy: The Number One Skill on the Rise
At the centre of the skills revolution in Australia is AI literacy — the ability to understand, use, and collaborate with artificial intelligence tools and systems. According to recent data from LinkedIn’s “Skills on the Rise” report, AI literacy sits firmly at the top of the list of fastest-growing skills among Australian professionals.
This surge reflects the rapid integration of AI across workplaces large and small. What was once a niche expertise is now considered foundational knowledge, with employers increasingly looking for candidates who can not only use AI tools but also think critically about their application. In many sectors, AI skills are proving more valuable than traditional experience alone — with recruiters preferring applicants proficient in AI tools over those without such know-how.
AI literacy isn’t just technical “hard” knowledge — it also encompasses problem-solving, ethical understanding of automation, and strategic use of generative technologies. As a result, Australians are rapidly reskilling to meet this demand in roles ranging from AI engineering to business management.
Strategic Thinking, Communication and Adaptability: Human Skills That Matter
Despite the emphasis on technology, soft skills — those uniquely human traits that machines can’t easily replicate — are also rising fast in importance. Communication, strategic thinking and adaptability all rank among the top skills Australians are adding to their profiles and resumes.
The trend underscores a broader shift in the labour market: while technical capabilities open doors, it is human-centred skills that often keep them open. In an AI-augmented workplace, professionals must communicate effectively across teams, think strategically about complex problems, and adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
Employers increasingly emphasise these competencies not only for operational efficiency but also for leadership and organisational resilience. These skills are being learned rapidly across industries — from tech and finance to education, healthcare and marketing.
Large Language Model Proficiency and Digital Literacy
LinkedIn’s survey also highlights proficiency with large language models (LLMs) and broader digital literacy — including data analytics and digital communication tools — as rapidly growing skills.
In sectors such as marketing, for example, skills like campaign execution, customer segmentation strategy, and creativity are now often coupled with AI and tech competencies. Employers value professionals who can blend technical tool use with strategic creative thinking.
This trend reflects a larger global shift: as workplaces digitise processes and operations, traditional job roles are being redefined, expanding the demand for workers who are as comfortable navigating digital ecosystems as they are communicating with customers or stakeholders.
Growing Demand in Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity
Supporting the rise of digital skills is the broader growth in technology-related roles. Reports suggest that tech jobs — particularly those linked to cybersecurity, data analysis and AI engineering — will be among the fastest growing in Australia over the next decade.
Cybersecurity specialists, for instance, are critical as organisations seek to protect data and infrastructure in a digital economy. These roles demand technical prowess but also a strong understanding of risk management and response strategies — skills that Australians are increasingly learning through formal education and professional development.
Emerging Skills in Professional Services and Management
Beyond tech sectors, other skills rising sharply include market analysis, regulatory compliance, conflict resolution, and budget management — competencies that support growth in professional services, finance, public administration, and business leadership.
These areas highlight how the skills landscape is not only about technical prowess but also about equipping workers to navigate complexity in organisational and regulatory environments. National skills development initiatives and employer-driven training are accelerating proficiency in these sought-after areas, while also helping to close skills gaps that have historically challenged the Australian economy.
The Workforce Response: Reskilling and Upskilling at Pace
The rapid evolution of skills in Australia is not happening in isolation; it is part of a broader national and global trend. Governments, businesses and education providers are investing heavily in reskilling and upskilling initiatives — from vocational pathways to executive training — to meet rising demand.
This trend reflects the realities of the modern workforce: new technologies emerge faster than traditional job classifications can adapt, and workers must be proactive in updating their skill sets to remain competitive.
What This Means for Australian Workers
For individuals, the quest for new skills offers both opportunity and challenge. On the one hand, workers who embrace AI literacy, strategic problem-solving and adaptability can position themselves for faster-growing roles and greater career mobility. On the other hand, rapid change requires a commitment to continuous learning and flexibility — lifelong education is no longer optional, but essential.
As Australia navigates the future of work, the trends in skill acquisition point to a dynamic labour market where technology and human capability evolve together. Those who can blend technical fluency with interpersonal intelligence stand to lead the next generation of innovation, productivity and economic growth.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
