Workforce Skills Survey 2026

30 Jul 2026
About this survey

The 2026 Workforce Skills Survey describes the challenges NSW employers face in meeting their skills needs, the impact of those challenges, and how employers are responding in an increasingly difficult economic environment.
Findings outlined in this report underscore the broader impact of skills shortages, not just on day-to-day operations, but also on the activities and initiatives that drive growth and innovation across the NSW economy. This report shows how NSW employers are adapting and responding in the face of these challenges, the strategies and initiatives they are embracing in meeting their skills needs.

Dr Nigel Palmer Senior Policy Manager, Skills and Education
Dr Nigel Palmer is a Visiting Fellow with the Australian Studies Institute at the Australian National University. He brings a wealth of experience in tertiary education policy and practice to his role with Business NSW.