In The path to prosperity: the future of work is human, Deloitte highlights the importance of both post-secondary education and workplace learning to deliver this skilled workforce.

It suggests that more than 80 per cent of jobs created between now and 2030 will be for knowledge workers.

Two-thirds of these jobs will rely on skills like creativity, communication and critical thinking.

“Deloitte has identified the skills and jobs where we are likely to see strong growth in demand over the next decade – and it’s almost an exact match with the skills and qualifications our nation’s universities deliver,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“This is another powerful reminder that in an era of automation, future jobs right across our economy are going to rely even more heavily on the skills of building knowledge, fostering creativity and strong communication.”

Ms Jackson said this latest report was in sync with others on the future of work in recent years that highlighted the importance of the skills acquired in a university education.

“This is also a reminder that we need to think very carefully at the impact of the cap on Government funding for student places at university that has been in place since 2017.”

“Universities need flexibility on student places to be able to respond to the needs of our economy and society.”

“Deloitte has identified a $36 billion national prosperity dividend for Australia if we get the policy settings right and invest in our future home-grown skilled graduate workforce.”

A national report last year found almost half a million students at Australian universities are getting real-world experience through a work placement, internship or fieldwork as part of their degree.

“This latest report adds to the many powerful reminders that we must invest in more student places at universities to ensure Australians aren’t locked out of these new jobs as our economy changes.”