As a mature age worker, you bring a lifetime of experience, knowledge and valuable transferable skills to the workplace.
On this page:
The nature and types of jobs in Australia is changing. Thirty years ago, manufacturing was the largest employing industry in Australia. Today, 3 in 4 Australians are employed in a service industry.
Thinking about your next career move?
Whether you’re looking for a new job, changing careers, returning to work or building new skills, there is a range of government services and resources available to support your next step.
Career Transition Assistance
If you are aged 45 years or over, Career Transition Assistance (CTA) can help you improve your confidence and skills so you can:
- change career or find a new job
- better understand job opportunities in your local area and how to tailor your job applications
- improve your digital literacy skills.
To find out more and see how the program has helped people across Australia change careers, visit the Career Transition Assistance page.
Explore career options and training
- Your Career – Search industries, occupations and study options to find a career that’s right for you and learn what you can do to get there.
- Free TAFE – A joint initiative of the Australian, State and Territory governments, providing tuition-free courses to students wanting to train, retrain or upskill.
- Course Seeker – Explore study options, including short courses.
Support to find a job
- Workforce Australia for Individuals – Search and apply for jobs or find information to help with your pathway to employment.
- Jobs Hub – Explore job opportunities and find jobs that match your skills and experience.
Starting and growing your own business
If you have a business idea or an existing business, Self-Employment Assistance can help you start, run and grow your business. To find out what the service includes and if you are eligible, visit the Self-Employment Assistance page.
Hear from mature age workers
Matt’s story
Matt has some advice for mature age job seekers about the challenges of changing industries and rewards of finding a job you love.
Pathways for women aged over 45
Learn how Local Jobs is providing pathways for women over 45 back into the workforce in the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast region, while also filling in-demand roles in the local childcare industry.
Paul’s journey with CTA
Turning experience into opportunity: Paul’s career comeback
To read how CTA has supported other mature age participants to build confidence, develop skills and pursue new employment opportunities, visit the CTA Articles page.
Other useful links
Visit the links below to learn more about mature age employment, workplace inclusion, skills development, and support services for mature age people.
- The department’s Newsroom provides news, data, analysis and case studies. Read:
- Older workers resource hub – Explore the Australian Human Rights Commission’s publications, research, resources and projects on age discrimination and age-inclusive workplaces.
- Be Connected – free digital skills training, including in-person computer classes and online learning.
- Seniors | Department of Social Services, Australian Government – Programs and services to support seniors.
- Ageing | Services Australia – Government payments and services for people retiring or accessing aged care.
- Centrelink | Services Australia – Delivers Centrelink social security payments and services to Australians.
- Positive ageing | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – A range of policy initiatives, programs and campaigns to help improve the health of all Australians.