Home topics news via pexels News News Healthcare and tech workers are ditching degrees for quick-fire courses Yajush Gupta January 28, 2026 New research from Risepoint shows 26% of online learners gained salary increases after short courses, as two-thirds study in high-need sectors like healthcare and education. What’s happening : New research reveals two-thirds of online learners in Australia are studying fields facing acute talent shortages, including healthcare, education and technology. Why this matters : As Australia grapples with persistent workforce shortages across critical sectors, short-form courses and micro-credentials are emerging as a practical solution. Australia’s skills shortage has found an unlikely solution in the form of bite-sized learning. According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s March 2025 Occupation Shortage Report, the national fill rate sits at 69.7 per cent, meaning employers can only fill roughly two-thirds of available positions. Healthcare professionals, technology workers and skilled trades dominate current shortages, with Skill Level 3 occupations, such as technical and trades roles, proving particularly difficult to fill at just 55.5 per cent. The 2025 Voice of the Online Learner: Australia Edition study found that 26 per cent of learners received a salary increase after completing a short course, a significant jump from 17 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, 22 per cent gained a promotion, highlighting strong career returns from targeted upskilling. Terry Burkitt, Vice President of Education Services for APAC at Risepoint, said the findings reflect changing demands placed on both workers and education providers. “Australia’s skills shortages are complex and