The skills gap in scenario planning and crisis response

Research report: Australian employers on crisis readiness

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78%

say the crisis skills gap is widening

Research report: Australian employers on crisis readiness

Download the report

The skills gap: are you prepared for the impact of AI?

The crisis skills gap exists and is growing

Employers struggle to hire for crisis response

A majority of Australian employers now struggle to fill crisis preparedness roles, citing a persistent and growing skills gap.

Australian employers across finance, infrastructure, and government sectors identify a critical shortfall in scenario planning and rapid response capabilities. Recent events have widened the divide between organisational needs and available talent.

78% Employers who say the gap is growing
63% Report the gap grew since 2020
89% Hiring for crisis roles is difficult

Most employers see the skills gap as the single greatest challenge in crisis management hiring, with scenario planning and adaptability now top priorities for new hires.

Discover how to upskill with the programme

How many employers report a widening skills gap in crisis response?

Widening gap 47%
Stable gap 22%
Narrowing gap 12%
Unsure/no answer 19%

Which sectors have the biggest shortfall?

Sector breakdown: where the gap is greatest

Finance, infrastructure, and public service roles face the largest skills gap, particularly in scenario-driven planning.

Some roles are hit harder by the shortage—especially those requiring rapid analysis, cross-team coordination, or direct response to economic shocks. Employers say practical experience in crisis scenarios now outweighs theoretical knowledge for key positions.

85% Finance sector reporting gap
78% Infrastructure sector reporting gap
74% Public service reporting gap

Sector analysis reveals finance, infrastructure, and public service are most affected. These fields report the highest demand for scenario planning and practical preparedness skills, with a strong preference for candidates who can demonstrate experience under pressure.

See careers and skills in demand

What roles and sectors are most affected by the skills gap?

85%

78%

74%

44%

FinanceInfrastructurePublic serviceOther

Why do hiring challenges persist?

Hiring pain points: experience and awareness

Hands-on, scenario-driven experience is now the key differentiator in the job market for crisis roles.

It’s not just numbers—employers voice frustration about the scarcity of candidates with real scenario experience. New threats, from cyber risks to rapid policy change, demand more than textbook answers.

89% Difficult to find qualified candidates
81% Lack of scenario experience
68% Limited awareness of new threats

Hiring managers cite the lack of hands-on scenario experience and limited awareness of current threats as the main barriers to finding qualified candidates. Many urge new entrants to seek out scenario-based learning and peer feedback to stay competitive.

What’s missing from traditional approaches?

Formal education vs. practical training

Scenario-based, practical learning is considered essential by most employers seeking crisis-ready professionals.

Traditional education leaves a gap when it comes to real disruption. Employers believe scenario-based assessment and peer learning are more effective for readiness than classroom theory.

72% Say formal education is not enough
85% Favour scenario-based assessment
77% Recommend peer learning

Employers increasingly view on-the-job learning and targeted scenario training as more valuable than formal study alone. Most recommend practical assessment and peer learning to bridge the gap.

See how the programme adapts

How well does formal education prepare candidates for crisis roles?

Needs more scenario focus 38%
Peer learning preferred 27%
Formal education effective 14%
No opinion 21%

Why is ongoing upskilling essential?

The case for lifelong learning

Continuous upskilling is non-negotiable for anyone in crisis management roles today.

The job doesn’t end at graduation. Professionals must keep up with new disruptions, regulatory shifts, and best practices. Continuous access to peer groups and updated materials is seen as a core career advantage.

93% Ongoing upskilling is vital
82% Peer network improves outcomes
77% Regular scenario updates needed

Employers emphasise that the field is never static—continuous upskilling is necessary as threats evolve. Ongoing peer support and access to updated resources make a measurable difference in career growth and organisational readiness.

Learn about lifelong support

How important is continuous upskilling for crisis professionals?

47%

24%

18%

11%

Continuous upskilling vitalPeer network keyScenario updates neededOther

Alumni career impact: preparedness creates opportunity Practical preparedness translates to real-world opportunities

Graduates who have completed scenario-based crisis training report improved job prospects, greater workplace confidence, and access to new roles across finance, infrastructure, and public sector fields. Employers consistently cite practical scenario planning as a key differentiator in hiring and promotion decisions. The data demonstrates that investing in crisis skills pays off for both individuals and organisations.

96% of alumni report a positive impact on their career after gaining scenario planning and crisis preparedness skills

The report at a glance

Most employers see a growing gap between what the sector needs and what the workforce offers. This report outlines why scenario planning and crisis response skills are now at a premium—and what professionals can do to close the divide.

Key findings from a national employer survey
Practical recommendations for closing the gap
Breakdown by sector, role, and region
Evidence on scenario planning’s career impact
Expert analysis of preparedness strategies
Actions for individuals and organisations

Note: stay relevant in a shifting field

Don’t get left behind as the crisis skills gap widens. Secure your spot and stay ahead with practical, scenario-based preparedness.

Research-driven insight: Download the brochure for full details on methodology and findings.
Next start: Programme intakes open July 2026.

Download the request brochure for a detailed look at the data.

Download the skills gap report

Find out how the crisis skills gap affects employers and professionals in Australia, with key figures on hiring, preparedness, and the need for practical scenario planning. Download the report for actionable insights.

78% of employers report a widening crisis skills gap
63% say the gap has grown since 2020
89% find hiring for crisis roles difficult
Expert commentary on scenario planning and preparedness
Actionable recommendations for organisations and professionals

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Tiesyrfuvtyrta Research Report Crisis Skills Gap

The skills gap in crisis response