Why Young Australians Are Struggling to Find Work?

The Australian job market has always been volatile but in the last few years especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has witnessed major changes. These shifts have left many young Australians uncertain of their careers and a significant number of young persons are facing the challenge of finding suitable and stable employment options. The Australian demographic of young persons are struggling to find meaningful work. If you are a part of this demographic and want to understand why finding work in today’s Australian market is challenging, read on. Let’s discuss the issues an below.

The Traditional Labor Market Dynamics Are Evolving Rapidly

Expecting the job landscape of any country to remain the same is unreasonable. However, the Australian market is changing at a fast pace which is speedier than it should be making it harder for young Australians to find fulfilling work. What’s more, the rise in automation, artificial intelligence and many other things has also impacted the necessity for humans. Therefore, many young skilled workers are finding it challenging to find suitable and meaningful work in retail, manufacturing and many other industries.

There is Significant Educational Mismatch

Education mismatch is a term used to describe the scenario where an skilled individual cannot find work that aligns with their skill set. It is a failure of not just the education system but also the work industries as both cannot provide the proper avenues for young people to gain employment. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that many graduates in Australia cannot find work in fields their gained their education in or remain unemployed.

Competition is More Severe than before

The Australian population is ever increasing and more and more people are getting training, experience and skills to work. Therefore, there is a significant rise in competition. Where there were two candidates, today, 10 people are vying for the same jobs. Therefore, the competitive nature of work environment has led to qualified job seekers to lower their expectations and also accept positions that don’t match their education or earning needs.

Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic was a dark time not only because it impacted the health and mental well-being of Australians but also because it had multiple economic consequences.   Lockdowns and restrictions harshly affected businesses of from sectors like hospitality, tourism, and retail. Most of these sectors offer entry level jobs for young persons. Hence, aftermath of the pandemic continues to impact job availability and security.

Lack of Work Experience

Employers often seek candidates with practical experience, but this poses a catch-22 situation for young Australians. They find it challenging to gain experience without securing a job first. Internships and work placements can help bridge this gap, but they are not always readily available.

1. Mental Health Impact

The stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy associated with unemployment can have a profound impact on overall well-being. The prolonged job search can take a toll on the mental health of young Australians.

Wrapping Up

The challenges of finding employment for young people in Australia are complex, emerging from changing labour market, educational disparities and the economic aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. To mitigate these issues, it is vital to endorse skill growth, offer opportunities according to work understanding and sustenance of mental health initiatives.