A new survey by Skillsroad, Australia’s no1 careers advice website, has found the health, aged care and disability sector is the top industry young Australians wish to work in. 

The survey of over 5,000 youth found 21% of respondents in the Survey said they planned to work in healthcare with COVID believed to be a driving force behind some of their career ambitions. 

The second most popular industry was education and training (12%) and professional services (11%). 

“There’s a high labour shortage in healthcare and young people are attracted to industries that are stable with better long-term career prospects and promotion opportunities,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter. 

“During the pandemic, we’ve seen some of these health sectors ‘up in lights’ which you could call the rock-star effect; seeing high-profile people like Dr Kerry Chant I think attracts people into the industry,” Mr Hunter said.  

“The findings may give some hope to the healthcare sector which has been struggling under the weight of staffing shortages and pandemic burnout. 

“It’s an attractive industry because it also has meaning as you are helping people in their time of need and young people are looking for that sense of purpose in their careers. 

The Skillsroad survey also revealed recent school leavers are feeling the effects from last year’s online learning, with almost eight out of ten respondents believing they were under prepared as a result, and seven out of ten are now anxious about their employment prospects. 

Nearly half of all respondents were not confident they could get a job in their industry of choice. 

“Mental health issues in young people have been prevalent during the pandemic with many losing their confidence, which is where Skillsroadcomes in - it matches people with jobs and industries that suit them and provides the direction and support they need,” Mr Hunter said. 

Respondents to the survey who weren’t currently working blamed their mental health as the number one reason.  

The Skillsroad Youth Survey was undertaken between November and December 2021 and surveyed 5,012 young people, with more than 75% aged 20 or younger. 

“The Skillsroad website has launched new career tools and a jobs board to better connect young people and employers with a newly adapted search function for work experience opportunities after a gap was identified in the market. 

“Nine out of ten young people feel work experience would help them get a job and for employers there’s such a big labour and skills shortage they’re more willing to provide work experience opportunities than ever before,” Mr Hunter said. 

Young job seekers and potential employers will have the opportunity to meet on Thursday, 24 March between 3 - 5 pm with a large careers event at Fairfield City HQ in Sydney’s south-west.  

Young job seekers will have the opportunity to have their resumes written for free, attend careers workshops and have their skills assessed and matched to potential employers.  

About Skillsroad  

Skillsroad is an initiative of Business Australia backed nationally by the Australian Chamber movement, which represents over 300,000 businesses and collectively has a vested interest in effectively transitioning school leavers and new talent into the labour force helping them find a meaningful future career path. For more information visit https://www.skillsroad.com.au/