The transition from education to employment is a pivotal stage for young Australians, yet many young job seekers face challenges related to skills, work experience and job requirements.
With youth unemployment at 9% - more than double the national rate - and a growing number of young people NEET (not in employment, education, or training), the path to stable employment has become increasingly complex.
To better understand employer experiences and improve youth employment outcomes, Jobs and Skills Australia conducted targeted research as part of its Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey.
This initiative aims to shed light on the factors influencing successful job placements for young Australians and offer valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities they encounter.
Research found 58% of employers received applications from young jobseekers aged 15 to 24 over the past year. Of these, 82% hired at least one young person, with medium and large businesses being more likely to employ young applicants than smaller ones.
The study also revealed that 47% of employers actively sought young candidates, while others prioritized the best fit for the role, regardless of age. Sales Workers, Community and Personal Service Workers and Labourers were the most targeted occupations by young jobseekers.
Employers valued the right attitude, communication skills and relevant experience as key qualities in young jobseekers. 76% of employers hired young workers without relying on government programs or subsidies which may suggest that lack of incentive uptake did not hinder youth employment.
Popular recruitment methods included internet job boards, word of mouth and direct approaches from jobseekers. Only 34% of employers required young applicants to undergo work trials, particularly in the Accommodation and Food Services, Other Services, Manufacturing and Health Care and Social Assistance sectors.
For more insights, read the full article.
