Business requires a variety of skills to operate successfully, and the Peel Region has a stable, educated and multi-skilled work force of 40,453 employed in a wide range of businesses. An even greater pool of workers (approx 400,000) is within an hour's travelling time from Mandurah.

The Region's work force is supported by:

• An expanding population base, which is expected to continue to grow rapidly; 
• quality education systems 
• 40 schools 
• Joint Peel Campus of TAFE and Murdoch University in Mandurah, which welcomes partnering opportunities with industry 
• Leading global companies and their best practice methodologies such as Alcoa's global engineering section in Pinjarra 
• Extensive training systems 
• Quality job placement agencies

The major employers in the Region are the Alcoa refineries at Pinjarra and Wagerup, Local Government authorities, Metro Brick in Byford and the Peel Health Campus in Mandurah.

In December 2008, the City of Mandurah accounted for 61% of the Region's labour force, followed by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale with 18%, the Shire of Murray with 14%, the Shire of Waroona 5%, and the Shire of Boddington 2%.

Employment by Industry

In 2006 the main industries of employment were: construction, accounting for 13.6% of the total workforce; manufacturing, accounting for 13.5%; and retail trade, accounting for 12.45%.

Unemployment

The unemployment rate for Peel was 4.0% in the December 2008 quarter.