How upskilling can set young workers up for success

Research has revealed that young Australians are being hit hard by economic instability, resulting in job loss and a lack of skills.

This discussion is timely as World Youth Skills Day landed on 15 July. This date is a reminder to young workers that upskilling can generate opportunities and set them up for success.

According to a statement from Brooks Australia, young Aussies are being hit especially hard by economic troubles, resulting in one in ten 15-to-24-year-olds being unemployed. They’re also twice as likely to be unemployed compared to adults.

Youth unemployment is rising, with 8 per cent unemployed and another 12 per cent classified as “NEET”, which is not in employment, education, or training.

Coinciding with World Youth Skills Day, Brooks Australia is encouraging young workers to upskill to help promote a stronger economy. Organisations can do their part by providing opportunities for young employees to hone their skills and progress professionally.

“There is a pressing need for strategic initiatives to combat youth unemployment and meet evolving industry demands. By investing in tailored training and skills development, this gap can be bridged earlier on. Upskilling is the key that unlocks potential and gives people the right tools to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape,” said Cathy Brand, chief executive of Brooks Australia.

“By providing targeted training and development programs, we can equip young people with the skills that employers are actively seeking. We understand that upskilling is not just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about practical applications and hands-on experience. That’s why we always offered tailored training initiatives designed to equip individuals with the skills they need to excel in the workforce.”

Brooks Australia noted that people want to learn and that 80 per cent of people aged between 18 and 34 are keen to expand their skills to help progress their careers.

One employee who took control of his career to focus on development is Alex Wang. Mr Wang is an apprentice at Brooks Australia, who, in his 40s, decided he wanted a career change. He’s now encouraging younger workers to do the same, highlighting that apprenticeships are a great way to hone skills.

“I wanted to change jobs to find something that I could learn and be educated further about. Advancing your career or finding a simple casual job can be impossible without the right skill set,” explained Mr Wang.

“Luckily, I was given the opportunity to widen my skill set and train as a service technician. Being an apprentice has given me a comprehensive range of training, from learning to installations and product knowledge. Despite turning to an apprenticeship later in life, I would encourage young people to give it a go as giving myself further training has opened new pathways and has made me far more employable for the future.”

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.