Regional Jobs Growth and Building Regional Skills
Entering the workforce? Or considering a career change? Find out where the jobs are on the Central Coast.
For more information about training and careers pathways visit:
Labour Market Insights – get the latest insights from the National Skills Commission to help you understand your local labour market.
Skills NSW Job Guides – over 100 Job Guides to help students decide on what job they want.
Skills One TV – engages and promotes the extensive career opportunities and pathways in traditional trades and emerging skills areas.
training.gov.au – get the latest information about apprenticeships and traineeships, course and training providers, and the National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia.
myfuture.edu.au – Australia’s career information and exploration service.
My Big Tomorrow – University of Newcastle’s ultimate career finder.
Training Services NSW – works to improve training outcomes for the people of NSW by supporting apprenticeships and traineeships, Smart and Skilled, and adult and community education.
Health Care and Social AssistanceÂ
Industry description:
The Health Care and Social Assistance businesses and organisations mainly engaged in providing human health care and social assistance such as Hospitals, Medical Services, Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging Services, Allied Health Services, Residential Care Services including Aged and Disability Care, Social Assistance Services, Administration and Support services.
Industry trends:Â
With the $568 million redevelopment of the Gosford and Wyong Hospitals there is potential for considerable growth and numerous opportunities for health, aged care and retirement industry operators on the Central Coast.
The Central Coast Medical School and Health and Medical Research Institute in Gosford will provide cutting-edge education and research facilities as a centrepiece of a new Health and Wellbeing Precinct to be developed at Gosford Hospital. The UON has also committed 30 of its existing medical places per year to the Medical School, a key catalyst for the initiative.
Major employers:
There are 357 General Practitioners (Doctors) working at 95 general practices across the Central Coast.Â
Health & Social Assistance is the largest industry sector with the Central Coast Local Health District employing approximately 5,000 people in a range of roles and expertise.Â
Central Coast Local Health District
Brisbane Waters Private Hospital
Berkeley Vale Private Hospital
Occupations:
For more information on potential occupations click here:Â
Health Care and Social Assistance offers a diverse range of career opportunities and pathways across a number of health disciplines in both small and large health facilities across the Central Coast.
NSW Health Careers website provides excellent information on careers in the Health Care and Social assistance sector.
Retail TradeÂ
Industry description:Â
Retail Trade includes businesses mainly engaged in the purchase and unsealing of goods to the general public including via the internet including:
 -  Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Retailing
 -  Fuel Retailing
 -  Food Retailing - Supermarket and Grocery Stores
 -  Furniture, Floor Coverings, Houseware and Textile Goods Retailing
 -  Electrical and Electronic Goods Retailing
 -  Hardware, Building and Garden Supplies Retailing
 -  Recreational Goods Retailing
 -  Clothing, Footwear and Personal Accessory Retailing
 -  Department Stores
 -  Pharmaceutical and Other Store-Based Retailing
 -  Non-Store Retailing
 -  Retail Commission-Based Buying and/or Selling
Industry trends:
Employment in Retail Trade continues to grow on the Central Coast mainly due to the population growth however the growth of online retail sales will provide opportunities and threats to the local market.Â
Â
Major employers:
There are approximately 1,434 retail business on the Central Coast including small bespoke retailers in rejuvenated town centres like Terrigal, East Gosford, Umina, Wyong and Long Jetty.
Major retail centres
Deepwater Plaza Shopping CentreÂ
More information on the Central Coast retail sector can be found here.Â
Occupations:
ConstructionÂ
Industry description:
The Construction Industry includes careers mainly engaged in the construction of buildings and other structures, additions, alterations, reconstruction, installation, and maintenance and repairs of buildings and other structures.
Businesses are also engaged in demolition or wrecking of buildings and other structures, clearing of building sites, blasting, test drilling, landfill, levelling, earthmoving, excavating, land drainage and other land preparation.
Industry trends:
The employment numbers in the construction industry have fallen slightly from 11,778 (2009/10) to 11,164 (2014/15); however the construction industry is set to boom on the Central Coast with many million worth of building approvals in the last financial year. To meet the projected housing demand over the next 20 years, an average of 2,070 new homes will need to be constructed each year. This is 590 more homes than the current average annual housing production.
Major employers:
Carter Holt Harvey Wood ProductsÂ
Edmonds Products Australia Pty LtdÂ
Lindsay Dynan Consulting EngineersÂ
North Construction & Building Pty LtdÂ
Northrop Consulting EngineersÂ
Occupations:
Education and Training
Industry description:
The Education and Training industry sector includes careers mainly engaged in the provision and support of education and training including:
 -  Preschool and School Education
 -  Tertiary Education
 -  Adult, Community and Other Education
 -  Educational Support Services
Industry trends:
Employment numbers in the education and training sectors has increased significantly from 8,069 (2009/10) to 11,002 (2014/15). The employment growth in the Education and Training industry on the Central Coast is expected to be driven by population growth and the higher skill needs of the economy.
Major employers:
The NSW Central Coast has a number of significant education providers, including:
 -  University of Newcastle Central Coast campus
 -  Hunter TAFE has three Central Coast campuses – Ourimbah, Gosford and Wyong
 -  Central Coast Community College
 -  250 Preschools and Child Care Centres
 -  4 Trade Training Schools
Occupations:
ManufacturingÂ
Industry description:
The Manufacturing industry includes businesses mainly engaged in the physical or chemical transformation of materials, substances or components into new products (except agriculture and construction).
Businesses in the Manufacturing Division are often described as plants, factories or mills .
Types of manufacturing can include:
 -  Food Product
 -  Beverage & Tobacco ProductÂ
 -  Textile, Leather, Clothing & FootwearÂ
 -  Wood ProductÂ
 -  Pulp, Paper & Converted Paper ProductÂ
 -  Printing (including the Reproduction of Recorded Media)Â
 -  Petroleum & Coal ProductÂ
 -  Basic Chemical & Chemical ProductÂ
 -  Polymer Product & Rubber ProductÂ
 -  Non-Metallic Mineral ProductÂ
 -  Primary Metal & Metal Product
 -  Fabricated Metal ProductÂ
 -  Transport EquipmentÂ
 -  Machinery & Equipment
 -  Furniture & OtherÂ
Industry trends:
The NSW Central Coast has attracted a strong, innovative manufacturing sector that has grown in the past 12 months against the national trend primarily due to the location, access to markets and the skilled workforce.Â
More than 10,000 people work in the manufacturing industry on the Central Coast. After a downturn in the employment numbers between 2010 -12 the employment numbers in this sector continue to increase each year.
Modern manufacturing and advanced manufacturing is about innovation and it is very technologically intensive.Â
Major employers:
FOOD
Agrana Fruit Australia Pty LtdÂ
Bidfeed Foodservice Central CoastÂ
Sanitarium Health & WellbeingÂ
HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
Clearview Glass Group Pty LtdÂ
Independent Portable Buildings Pty LtdÂ
MECHANICAL
Donaldson Australasia Pty LtdÂ
More information on the Central Coast Manufacturing sector can be found here.Â
Central Coast Industry Connect is a not for profit organisation that is a passionate and active industry group formed through collaboration between NSW industry bodies and local manufacturing and engineering organisations.
Occupations:
For more information on potential occupations click here:Â
Accommodation and Food ServicesÂ
Industry description:
The Accommodation and Food Services industry includes businesses mainly engaged in providing short-term accommodation for visitors.and providing food and beverage services, such as the preparation and serving of meals and the serving of alcoholic beverages for consumption by customers, both on and off-site.
Accommodation and Food Services businesses include the following groups and sub-categories:
 -  Accommodation
 -  Food and Beverage Services
 -  Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services
 -  Pubs, Taverns and Bars
 -  Clubs (Hospitality)
Industry trends:
The tourism and hospitality sector is a major employer on the Central Coast however there has been a downturn in the employment in the Accommodation & Food Services industry from 9,160 (2009/10) to  8,497 (2014/15).
With the growth of the tourism sector and the emerging food industry this sector is expected to grow in the coming years.Â
Major employers:
As a major NSW tourism destination the Central Coast has nearly 1,000 accommodation and food services suppliers, some of the larger employers include:
Mercure Kooindah Water Golf & Spa ResortÂ
Occupations:
Other ServicesÂ
Industry description:
The 'Other Services' industry sector includes a broad range of personal services; religious, civic, professional and other interest group services; selected repair and maintenance activities; and private households employing staff. Businesses are mainly engaged in providing a range of personal care services, such as hair, beauty and diet and weight management services; providing death care services; promoting or administering religious events or activities; or promoting and defending the interests of their members.
Also included are businesses engaged in repairing and/or maintaining equipment and machinery.Â
Other Services includes the following groups and sub-categories:
 Repair and Maintenance
 -  Automotive Repair and Maintenance
 -  Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance
 -  Other Repair and Maintenance
Personal and Other Services
 -  Personal Care Services
 -  Funeral, Crematorium and Cemetery Services
 -  Other Personal Services
 -  Religious Services
 -  Civic, Professional and Other Interest Group Services
Industry trends:
The employment numbers in the repair and maintenance and personal services from 3,777 (2009/10) to 6,937 (2015/16). This sector continues to grow on the Central Coast due to the population growth.
Â
Major employers:
There are just over 1,000 businesses providing repair and maintenance and personal services on the Central Coast. The majority of  these businesses employ less than 4 people. Some of the major employers include:
Occupations:Â
Public Administration and SafetyÂ
Industry description:
The Public Administration and Safety industry sector includes organisations mainly engaged in Federal, State or Local Government. Also included are units of military defence, government representation and international government organisations.
Public Administration
- Â Federal (Australian) Government Administration
- Â State Government Administration
- Â Local Government Administration
- Â Justice
- Â Government Representation
Defence
Public Order, Safety and Regulatory Services
Industry trends:
Employment on the Central Coast in the Public  Administration and Safety sector has increased substantially from  3,688 (2009/10) to 6,172 (2014/15).
There are a wide variety of careers in this sector and employment opportunities are expected to continue to grow.
 Major employers:
Occupations:
Professional, Scientific and Technical ServicesÂ
Industry description:
The Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry sector includes businesses or organisations who provides services which include scientific research, architecture, engineering, computer systems design, law, accountancy, advertising, market research, management and other consultancy, veterinary science and professional photography.
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)
 -  Scientific Research Services
 -  Architectural, Engineering and Technical Services
 -  Legal and Accounting Services
 -  Advertising Services
 -  Market Research and Statistical Services
 -  Management and Related Consulting Services
 -  Veterinary Services
 -  Computer System Design and Related Services
Industry trends:
Employment numbers in the  Professional, Scientific and Technical Services continue to increase on the Central Coast from 4,837 (2009/10) to 5,760 (2014/15); this is in line with trends across Australia and the World.Â
Â
Major employers:
Occupations:
Administrative and Support ServicesÂ
Industry description:
The Administrative and Support Services industry sector includes businesses mainly engaged in performing routine support activities such as office administration; hiring and placing personnel for others; preparing documents; taking orders for clients by telephone; providing credit reporting or collecting services; and arranging travel and travel tours.
Businesses providing other types of support services are mainly engaged in activities such as building and other cleaning services; pest control services; gardening services; and packaging products for others
 -  Administrative Services
 -  Employment Services
 -  Travel Agency and Tour Arrangement Services
 -  Building Cleaning, Pest Control and gardening Support Services
Industry trends:
The Central Coast employment numbers in the Administrative and Support Services industry have increased from 3,688 (2009/10) to 4,515 (2014/15) this is in line with recent trends where people have moved more towards the outsourcing of such non-core activities. The businesses classified in this sector specialise in one or more of these activities and can, therefore, provide services to a variety of clients.
Major employers:
There are 870 registered Administrative and Support Services businesses on the Central Coast, 743 of these employ less than 4 people.Â
Central Coast Domestic Services
Occupations:
For more information on potential occupations click here:Â
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
Industry description:
The Transport, Postal and Warehousing industry sector businesses are mainly engaged in providing transportation of passengers and freight by road, rail, water or air. Other transportation activities such as postal services, pipeline transport and scenic and sightseeing transport are included in this division.
Businesses mainly engaged in providing goods warehousing and storage activities are also included as are businesses mainly engaged in providing support services for the transportation of passengers and freight. These activities include stevedoring services, harbour services, navigation services, airport operations and customs agency services.
 -  Road Freight & Passenger Transport
 -  Rail Freight & Passenger Transport
 -  Water Freight & Passenger Transport
 -  Air and Space Transport
 -  Scenic and Sightseeing Transport
 -  Postal and Courier Pick-up and Delivery Services
 -  Transport Support Services such as water or airport transfers
 -  Warehousing and Storage Services
Industry trends:
There are nearly 1,000 transport, postal or warehousing businesses on the Central Coast. Most of these businesses employ less than 4 people.Â
The numbers employed have remained steady over the past few years due to the Central Coast location on the M1 and between Sydney and Newcastle.Â
Major employers:
Adrians All Inclusive TransportÂ
Gosford Furniture Removals and Storage
Occupations:
Wholesale TradeÂ
Industry description:
The Wholesale Trade industry sector businesses are mainly engaged in the purchase and onselling goods, without significant transformation, to businesses.Â
Wholesale Trade includes the following groups and sub-categories:
- Â Basic Material WholesalingÂ
- Â Machinery and Equipment Wholesaling
- Â Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Wholesaling
- Â Grocery, Liquor and Tobacco Product Wholesaling
- Â Textile, Clothing and Footwear Wholesaling
- Â Pharmaceutical and Toiletry Goods Wholesaling
- Â Furniture, Floor Covering and Other Goods Wholesaling
- Â Commission-Based Wholesaling
Industry trends:
 With the increase in internet sales and the automation of jobs there are less jobs in the wholesale businesses on the Central Coast.Â
There are 689 wholesale businesses on the Central Coast most of which employ less than 4 people.Â
Major employers:
Occupations:
Financial and Insurance ServicesÂ
Industry description:
Financial and Insurance Services includes the following groups and sub-categories:
 -  Finance and Banking
 -  Insurance and Superannuation Funds
Industry trends:
With the use of internet banking there has been a reduction in the numbers of employees working in the Financial and Insurance Services sectors. However there has also been an increase in the number of this type of businesses.Â
There are 1,600 Financial and Insurance businesses on the Central Coast with the majority employing less than four people.Â
Major employers:
Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency
Occupations:
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
Industry description:
The Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services industry sector businesses are mainly engaged in renting or hiring assets including:
 -  Motor Vehicle and Transport Equipment Rental and Hiring
 -  Farm Animal and Bloodstock Leasing
 -  Goods and Equipment Rental and Hiring
 -  Property Operators and Real Estate Services
Industry trends:
The employment numbers on the Central Coast in the Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services sector has reduced from 2,414 (2009/10) to 1,860 (2014/15) mainly due to the increases use of computers and the internet.Â
Major employers:
Occupations:
Arts and Recreation ServicesÂ
Industry description:
The Arts and Recreation Services includes organisations engaged in the preservation and exhibition of objects and sites of historical, cultural or educational interest; the production of original artistic works and/or participation in live performances, events, or exhibits intended for public viewing; and the operation of facilities or the provision of services that enable patrons to participate in sporting or recreational activities, or to pursue amusement interests including:
 -  Heritage and Museum Activities
 -  Parks and Gardens Operations
 -  Creative and Performing Arts Activities
 -  Sports and Recreation Activities
 -  Gambling Activities
Industry trends:
There was a slight reduction of people employed in the Arts and Recreation Services on the Central Coast from 1,484 (2009/10) to 1,339 (2014/15) with many of these jobs being part time employment.Â
Many artists are self employed with only 340 businesses in the Arts and Recreation sector on the Central Coast.
Major employers:
Gosford Regional Gallery and Arts Centre
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Occupations:
Agriculture, Forestry and FishingÂ
Industry description:
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry sector includes businesses mainly engaged in growing crops, raising animals, growing and harvesting timber, and harvesting fish and other animals from farms or their natural habitats including:
 -  Agriculture
 -  Nursery and Floriculture Production
 -  Mushroom and Vegetable Growing
 -  Fruit and Tree Nut Growing
 -  Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming
 -  Dairy Cattle Farming
 -  Poultry Farming
 -  Aquaculture
 -  Forestry and Logging
 -  Fishing
Industry trends:
Employment in the agricultural sector in both the Central Coast and in NSW as a whole declined between 2001 and 2015. There was a very rapid decline in employment between 2000/01 and 2005/06 (from 2039 to 803), but since then there has been a significant recovery in numbers (from 803 to 1,249) through to 2015.
From 2005/06 employment has grown consistently faster in the Central Coast than for NSW as a whole.
Major employers:
There are about 500 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing businesses on the Central Coast with the number of businesses reducing slightly as smaller farms are brought by bigger farms.
S & P Dominello Flower Growers
Occupations:
For more information on potential occupations click here:Â
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste ServicesÂ
Industry description:
The Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services industry sector comprises businesses engaged in the provision of electricity; gas through mains systems; water; drainage; and sewage services. This sector also includes the collection, treatment and disposal of waste materials; remediation of contaminated materials (including land); and materials recovery activities.
Industry trends:
Employment in the Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services industry has declined from 1,589 (2019/10) to 1,244 (2014/15).Â
Major employers:
This is a very small employer, with only 85 businesses on the Central Coast.
Occupations:
Information Media and TelecommunicationsÂ
Industry description:
The Information Media and Telecommunications sector includes:
 -  Publishing (except Internet and Music Publishing)
 -  Newspaper, Periodical, Book and Directory Publishing
 -  Software Publishing
 -  Motion Picture and Sound Recording Activities
 -  Motion Picture and Video Activities
 -  Sound Recording and Music Publishing
 -  Broadcasting (except Internet)
 -  Radio Broadcasting
 -  Television Broadcasting
 -  Internet Publishing and Broadcasting
 -  Telecommunications Services
 -  Internet Service Providers, Web Search Portals and Data Processing Services
 -  Data Processing, Web Hosting and Electronic Information Storage Services
 -  Library and Other Information Services
 -  Libraries and Archives
 -  Other Information Services
Industry trends:
There are only 1,186 (2014/15) people employed in the Information Media and Telecommunications sector on the Central Coast which is slightly down from 1,209 (2019/10).
This is a small specialised industry that has changed rapidly in recent years.Â
Major employers:
Central Coast Express Advocate
Occupations:
MiningÂ
Industry description:
The Mining industry sector businesses mainly extract naturally occurring mineral solids, such as coal and ores; liquid minerals, such as crude petroleum; and gases, such as natural gas. Mining distinguishes two basic activities: mine operation and mining support activities including:
 -  Coal Mining
 -  Oil and Gas Extraction
 -  Metal Ore Mining
 -  Non-Metallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying
 -  Construction Material Mining
 -  Other Non-Metallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying
 -  Exploration and Other Mining Support Services
 -  Exploration
 -  Other Mining Support Services
Industry trends:
Employment in the mining sector has declined across Australia including the Central Coast where there are only 447 (2014/15) people employed down from 691 (2009/10).
This is a very small employment sector on the Central Coast with many people in the mining sector working in Newcastle or the Hunter Valley.Â
Major employers:
The Central Coast Plateau has traditionally been a source of sand for Sydney and the local construction industry.