ENGAGING TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE – Industry Skills Council

This seminar was organised by the Industry Skills Council (Community Services and Health) to explore what strategies the sector needs to implement to attract, recruit and keep younger workers (Generation Y) in the sector. This seminar took place on Friday 27th of November.

Here is a summary of the main thoughts discussed at the meeting

How do we 'sell' the sector to Generation Y?

· Our biggest competition in recruitment comes from the armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force). They use ideas such as “the spirit of ANZAC”, “mateship”, “adversity”, “sport” and use a computer game format in their training to make the whole career interesting.

The three top selling points, we can use to highlight the profile of our sector:

* One of the most diverse industry in the Australian workforce – more than 500 different occupations supporting the well being of Australians (diversity)
* Big industry and tipped to become the fastest growing industry sector – it is the third largest employer which involves the Government and business sector (choices)
* Make it exciting, rewarding to young people (flexibility, offering training, supportive environment)

There are some 'danger zones' that we need to avoid highlighting, and others we want to emphasize in promoting the sector to Generation Y

Danger marketing zones:
– highlight the low number of young people in the sector
– highlight that 35% of the jobs are located outside capital cities

Emphasize
– Flexibility in working hours (46% part time)
– We are a skilled workforce (75% with tertiary education)
– Skills are transportable and transferable, in case younger workers would like to move overseas or interstate

The presentation concluded with a number of good strategies to start attracting younger workers, including:

· You are “making a difference” in the life of people
· It is meaningful work
· learning life long human skills (knowledge, empathy, understanding)
· Helping you to better grapple with important social and ethical issues