July 13, 2022

How Young People can Prepare for Future Employment Opportunities

Collaboration, COSpedia, Education, Productivity

Young people in Australia are losing out on educational and employment opportunities because of a lack of essential soft skills.

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Youth Lacking Employment Opportunities

It may surprise you to know that over half a million young people in Australia are losing out on educational and employment opportunities. According to the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), unemployment among the youth in Australia is high, with a significant contributing factor being that 33 percent are lacking the basic knowledge to get a job in their area, even at an entry-level position. Furthermore, 28 percent of graduates reported that they do not use the skills they learned during school.

Technological advancements, economic shifts, and evolving societal expectations are rapidly transforming the job market. To navigate this landscape, Australian youth need to engage in strategic planning and develop a solid understanding of the current labour market.

As of May 2023, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported a youth unemployment rate of 11.1% for those aged 15–24, significantly higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.6%. This discrepancy highlights the unique challenges young people face in securing employment.

Research by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) in their report “The New Work Reality” it takes an average of 2.6 years for a young person to transition from full-time education to full-time employment. This underscores the importance of strategic preparation and work-integrated learning to enhance employability.

According to the Foundation for Young Australians’ report “The New Work Reality,” it takes an average of 2.6 years for a young person to transition from full-time education to full-time employment. This highlights the importance of strategic preparation to enhance employability. The absence of work-integrated learning or real-world applications can hinder entry into the workforce.

Learning new skills or working on perfecting your current skill set is vital for progress, as it broadens your career opportunities and assists you in developing new ways to keep up with fast-changing environments. Here are some helpful ways to broaden your opportunities and give your career a boost.

1. Acquire Relevant Education and Skills

Education and vocational training:

Education and vocational training require a strong educational foundation. Completing secondary school and pursuing post-secondary education or training in high-demand fields can enhance job readiness. Sectors like healthcare, information technology (IT), and trades are projected to grow substantially, with apprenticeships, internships, and TAFE programs providing essential practical experience and industry-specific skills.

Developing Soft Skills:

In today’s job market, employers increasingly value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. According to the FYA report, these abilities are a top priority for 70% of employers during the hiring process.

Young people can develop these important soft skills by engaging in extracurricular activities, volunteering, working part-time, and assuming leadership roles in community organisations.

2. Embrace the Use of Technology and Develop Digital Literacy

Digital and AI Skills:

As the digital economy continues to grow, having robust digital skills is becoming essential for career advancement. Proficiency in basic computer operations, navigating software applications, and understanding concepts like digital marketing and e-commerce can greatly enhance one’s employability.

In Australia, there’s a noticeable rise in demand for roles involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting the importance of professionals skilled in AI technologies. This trend reflects the increasing adoption of AI-driven solutions across diverse sectors, such as finance, healthcare, and beyond. These technologies can be used to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and innovate customer interactions.

Latest Industry Trends:

To stay ahead in their careers, young professionals need to actively stay informed about technological advancements and industry trends. This involves keeping up with industry news, attending webinars, and engaging in professional networks like LinkedIn.

These activities not only offer insights into emerging job opportunities but also help cultivate the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. By staying connected and well-informed, professionals can anticipate industry shifts, embrace new technologies, and position themselves for success in their fields.

3. Gain Hands-on Practical Experience

Internships and Work Placements:

Internships, work placements, and casual jobs can offer invaluable practical experience, providing insights into workplace dynamics and opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge.

According to the ABS, 68.4% of young Australians combine study with some form of work, emphasising the significance of balancing education with hands-on experience.

Volunteering:

According to SEEK research, 95% of employers view volunteering as a valuable way to gain real-world experience to enhance your CV. Volunteering demonstrates a commitment to improving society and a willingness to collaborate as part of a team without expecting personal gain.

For young individuals, volunteering provides opportunities to develop essential skills such as follow-through, punctuality, teamwork, communication (both written and verbal), and the ability to work in diverse settings.

4. Develop Meaningful Professional Network

Professional Networking:

Developing a professional network is essential for accessing job opportunities and gaining valuable career insights. One effective strategy is to attend industry events and conferences where you can connect with influential figures and peers, fostering new relationships and knowledge exchange.

Additionally, leveraging alumni networks provides access to mentorship and potential job referrals through shared experiences and affiliations.

In today’s digital era, platforms like LinkedIn are essential for networking. They can help you build global connections with professionals, offering a platform to highlight your skills, interests, and career goals effectively.

Look for a Mentor

According to Career Builder, focusing on soft skills is crucial for 63% of businesses when making hiring decisions.

Mentorship programs play a vital role in fostering these skills by guiding mentees through personal development, enhancing life skills, identifying strengths, and identifying areas for growth.

Mentors help mentees understand the essential abilities and experiences needed for a successful career. Engaging with a mentor provides numerous benefits beyond skill acquisition and job prospects. It can boost self-esteem, confidence, and interpersonal skills, all of which are pivotal for personal and professional success.

5. Utilise Career Resources and Support Services

Career Counseling:

Educational institutions frequently provide career counselling services aimed at assisting young individuals in making informed decisions regarding their career paths.

These services typically include guidance on career planning, crafting effective resumes, and developing strategies for job searches. By leveraging these resources, youths can gain valuable insights and support to navigate the complexities of entering the workforce.

Job Search Platforms:

In addition to career counselling services, online job search platforms play a crucial role in connecting job seekers with potential employers.

Platforms such as SEEK, Indeed, and the Australian Government’s JobActive offer extensive databases of job opportunities across various industries and locations.

These platforms not only facilitate job searches but also provide tools for building professional resumes and preparing for interviews. This integrated approach can equip young individuals with the necessary tools and information to enhance their chances of securing suitable employment opportunities.

6.Foster Your Personal Progress

Engage in Team Activities

Teamwork is an essential factor in a company’s culture and its ability to thrive. According to Give and Take research, businesses with higher levels of employee engagement generate 2.5x times more revenue. Many businesses focus on hiring employees who can easily settle well into a team and complete assigned work efficiently.

Participating in team-based extracurricular activities is an excellent approach to exhibiting this skill set. Youth who participate in team-related activities such as athletics, drama, theatre, or the school band can develop skills that can benefit them later in life. All of these activities emphasise the value of working together to reach a common objective.

Discover Creative Endeavours

According to McKinsey Global Institute research, the need for higher cognitive talents, such as creativity, is expected to rise by 10 percent by 2030. Participating in creative activities such as painting, dancing, writing, or singing helps you to develop creative abilities at an early age.

These interests help with the development of the right, more creative side of the brain, which not only encourages innovative thinking, but also inspires effective problem-solving, new strategies, and new ideas. Building this side of the brain allows young people to express themselves creatively and enhances their likelihood of using this growth in a real-world working environment.