2025-26 CENTRAL COAST INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS 32 Workforce The Central Coast has a large, adaptable and enthusiastic workforce with a wide range of skill sets. The lifestyle that Central Coast residents enjoy has created a workforce that is generally relaxed, reliable and flexible. Low staff turnover Surveys of employers reveal that employee turnover rates on the Central Coast are well below the average for Sydney and other areas. Productivity Central Coast employees have the benefit of living relatively close to where they work. In general, travel times to work being a little over 30 minutes resulting in much less stress, a fact that is known to contribute towards improved productivity. Additionally, these lifestyle attributes are critical factors in reducing absenteeism. Age structure Based on the 2021 Census approximately half the population of the Central Coast are of working age. (See Table) Industrial relations The general state of industrial relations on the Central Coast is excellent with most employers and employees taking a mature attitude to employment. Unemployment According to Labour Force Survey data the unemployment rate in the March 2025 quarter was 3.5%. This compares with 4.0% - 4.4% for NSW. Commuters The Central Coast has a commuting population of approximately 40,000 - 30% of the region’s resident workers - most of whom would prefer to work locally given the opportunity. Major employer sectors The government is the largest employer in the region making up about 30% of the workforce (see Table). The next major employing sectors are: Construction 16.1% Manufacturing 7.0% Retail Trade 9.9% Full-time equivalent employment by sector 2023 / 2024 Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 1,271 1.2% Mining 583 0.5% Manufacturing 7,684 7.0% Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Svc 1,250 1.1% Construction 17,755 16.1% Wholesale Trade 2,107 1.9% Retail Trade 10,970 9.9% Accommodation & Food Services 5,575 6.0% Transport, Postal & Warehousing 4,132 3.7% Information Media & Telecommunication 994 0.9% Financial & Insurance Services 2,685 2.4% Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services 2,194 2.0% Professional, Scienti c & Technical Svc 6,226 5.6% Administrative & Support Services 3,121 2.8% Public Administration & Safety 5,820 5.3% Education & Training 8,851 8.0% Health & Social Assistance 22,374 20.3% Arts & Recreation Services 1,219 1.1% Other Services 4,611 4.2% TOTAL INDUSTRIES 110,421 100.0 Source: .id (informed decisions), ABS Census 2021 Age structure – Service age groups Service age group (years) Number % 0 to 17 74,940 21.6 18 to 24 26,176 7.6 25 to 34 38,119 11.0 35 to 49 63,302 18.3 50 to 59 44,724 12.9 60 + 99,335 28.6 Total 346,596 100.0 Source: .id (informed decisions), ABS Census 2021 Education qualifications – highest achieved Persons aged 15+ Number % Bachelor or Higher Degree 50,747 17.9 Advanced Diploma or Diploma 27,784 9.8 Vocational 70,788 24.9 No quali cation 110,015 38.7 Not stated 24,910 8.7 Total aged 15+ 284,244` 100.0
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