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 evolving, particularly as industries respond to rapid technological change,” said Mr Burkitt. “What we’re seeing is a workforce that needs to build relevant skills faster. Learners are prioritising shorter, more focused courses that align closely with real work. These preferences reflect a growing emphasis on practical learning that delivers immediate value for both individuals and employers.”
Pay rises in months
The research highlights a clear shift in learner priorities towards education that delivers practical, workplace-relevant outcomes. Six in ten respondents said they value assessments based on real-world job tasks, while more than half prioritise industry-recognised certifications, signalling demand for learning that closely aligns with employer needs.
The results suggest that short-form courses and micro-credentials can play a complementary role in addressing Australia’s skills shortages by enabling faster, more targeted capability growth alongside traditional qualifications, without the time and cost barriers of a full degree.
Small and medium enterprises have been particularly vocal about the need for flexible training options. According to the Small Business Skills and Training Needs Survey 2024, 56 per cent of SMEs say they have a moderate skills gap, while 13 per cent consider it an acute crisis. The same survey found that 52 per cent of SMEs say available training is either outdated or irrelevant to their needs.
Real-world assessments
The shift towards practical, short-form learning comes as traditional pathways struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving industry needs. Research has shown that 59 per cent of employees receive no formal workplace training and instead rely on self-directed learning.
“Organisations and universities are navigating a complex environment,” Mr Burkitt added. “Short-form programs give learners more flexible ways to grow, while preserving the rigour of traditional qualifications. Together, these pathways help future-proof the workforce.”
Regional areas continue to face more acute workforce challenges than metropolitan areas. According to the March 2025 Occupation Shortage Report, regional areas show a fill rate of 64.3 per cent compared to metropolitan areas at 71.6 per cent, indicating regional shortages are often more severe.
Practical over prestige
The rise of micro-credentials comes as the Australian Government continues to standardise these qualifications through the National Microcredentials Framework, developed in 2021. Under this framework, course providers must ensure that Australian micro-credentials include industry-specific learning outcomes and formal assessments.
Healthcare dominates the shortage list, with registered nurses, general practitioners and aged care workers experiencing critical shortages. Technology roles, including software engineers and cybersecurity specialists, also feature prominently among high-demand occupations.
The research indicates that learners are increasingly selective about their education choices, favouring programs that promise immediate workplace application over longer-term theoretical study. This trend aligns with broader shifts in how Australian businesses approach workforce development, with many organisations prioritising practical, targeted training over expensive formal qualifications.
The study’s findings suggest that as technological change continues to reshape Australian industries, the demand for flexible, skills-focused learning will only intensify, positioning short-form courses as a critical tool in addressing the nation’s ongoing talent challenges.
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