This report presents a detailed analysis of Wollongong’s labour market as part of an Australian Research Council-funded project on economic transitions and the spatial aspects of industrial restructuring. It explores how technological change impacts skills, work practices, and occupational gender divisions. Wollongong was selected as a case study city for studying economic transition due to its historical dependence on heavy industry employment, including steel manufacturing and coal mining.

The report uses qualitative and quantitative data – comparing Wollongong to state-wide figures in New South Wales – to examine key labour market features and gender disparities across qualifications, occupations, income, work hours, business registrations, and productivity measures. 

Findings reveal enduring gender differences in education, employment by industry, income levels, and skill recognition, especially in service-oriented and technical roles. Although Wollongong has transitioned to a service-based economy, traditional industries like manufacturing and transport remain very significant. The labour market value of certain types of skills – especially those linked to care and customer service – are systematically undervalued.

By situating skills within local economic and social contexts, the report challenges narrow, human capital-based interpretations. It contributes new place-based insights into how labour markets operate unevenly and how gender, education, and industry restructuring shape regional employment dynamics. The findings are relevant for economic development, skills policy, and workforce planning.