Frankston's Workforce Programs Close Skill Gaps, Transform Job Market

Frankston’s workforce development efforts are gaining momentum, reshaping how local residents connect with employment and training opportunities. The Frankston City Council’s Work Ready Program, one of Victoria’s largest council-run initiatives, provided 45 job placements in 2024-25 and has supported over 100 residents in gaining new skills and work experience, underscoring a growing emphasis on practical learning pathways directly linked to employment outcomes.^[1]

Addressing workforce development is critical for Frankston given ongoing challenges with educational attainment. Only 11.9% of Frankston's labour force hold bachelor degrees or higher, compared to 23.6% across Greater Melbourne. This skills gap has impeded the city’s competitiveness for higher-skilled roles and economic advancement.^[4] Against this backdrop, local authorities and partners have prioritized expanding employment support services and workforce programs tailored to meet community needs.

Targeted Programs and Investment Bolster Job Readiness

Two new and existing frameworks illustrate Frankston’s strategic push to cultivate employability. The Thrive Hub, launched with $1 million each from the Australian and Victorian Governments, now positions Frankston and Mornington Peninsula jobseekers with customized employment supports, training pathways, and links to local employers. This hub serves as a central resource combining government backing with local labour market insights to streamline career progression.^[2]

Complementing this is the Frankston Hospital redevelopment’s workforce program, notably the 'Be Onsite' initiative, which has successfully graduated six young Aboriginal trainees into construction careers. The program merges hands-on skills training with mentorship, highlighting engagement with traditionally underrepresented groups and aligning workforce growth with large infrastructure projects.^[5][6]

Connecting Talent with Business and Education

The Frankston Mornington Peninsula LLEN’s annual Industry and Careers Expo provides another important venue for bridging local jobseekers and students with business opportunities. This community-driven event promotes early career exploration and direct connections with local employers, ensuring emerging workers understand the pathways available within the region’s economy.^[3]

Meanwhile, the cumulative impact of these efforts is reflected in tangible outcomes like the 45 placements offered through Work Ready last year, signalling that programmatic approaches are leading to measurable gains in employment engagement. Frankston’s workforce strategy also benefits from sustained collaboration across public, private, and educational sectors, creating a more coordinated support network for residents.^[1][8]

Despite progress, Frankston’s comparatively low higher education attainment emphasizes the need for continuous skills development and broad community involvement. The current initiatives serve as foundational steps toward improving economic participation and filling labour market gaps for the future.

Looking ahead, jobseekers in Frankston should take advantage of evolving programs such as those offered via the Thrive Hub and Work Ready, which provide not only placements but also real-world experience and local mentorship. Local employers can further bolster this momentum by engaging with council-led events and training schemes to access an increasingly skilled and work-ready talent pool.

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