Are Generation Z at risk of falling through the cracks in WA?

Written by Gary Whittaker - General Manager - Staffing Services WA, SA & NT, Chandler Macleod Group

By 2026, Gen Z will comprise almost 1 in 5 Australian workers, and by 2028 will make up over 32% of the global workforce. Some are struggling to get a start though. The bottom rung of the career ladder isn't as attainable as it was for some previous generations...

So what is stopping them Unleashing their Potential?

The combination of WA's highly competitive, post-boom employment market punctuated by relatively high unemployment and limited entry-level, trainee, apprenticeship and graduate opportunities are presenting a short-term roadblock to success for these young Australians.

With youth unemployment at almost double that of the overall rate, and triple that pre-GFC, this under-25 cohort, (including the younger millennials) is actively seeking work but many are at risk of remaining part of the long-term unemployment statistics; the dominant reason? 

Lack of experience.

How are Chandler Macleod trying to help?

We recognise the potential of these young emerging Gen Zs as tomorrow's skilled workforce so we are working in conjunction with local Job Active providers, RTOs, and some of our largest customers to create distinct pathways to employment for youth job-seekers, enhancing their job-readiness and re-building their confidence along the way.

How can your organisation benefit?

Our youth employee pathway applicants are:

• Psychometrically, behaviourally and cognitively screened and assessed
• Filtered for the right attitudes, values and potential (aligned to your preferences and drivers
• Progressed through customised pre-employment training programs which focus on specific industry sectors.
• Trained across a 5-day period in industry sectors aligned to their preferences; drawing specific content from Certified Training programs which range from Civil Construction, Surface Mining and Hospitality to Manufacturing, Stores and Business.

We then help the Graduates of these programs gain:

• Relevant tickets and licenses
• Specific Inductions
• National police clearances
• Pre-employment medicals
• Drug and alcohol screening and
• Greater confidence in their own skills and abilities

Upon completion, these up-skilled, job-ready candidates are available to our clients as casual, or maximum-term contractors, with the hope that after an initial engagement they may be considered for permanent employment. We do not pass on the costs associated with training, assessment or pre-employment third-party costs and there are often further benefits by way of reduced unit cost (hourly charge rates etc.)

How are Generation Z different for employers?

Born into a world full of smartphones, terrorism, and social justice. Generation Z, are markedly different to the Millennials.

• They are the first generation to use new age technology for the entirety of their lives and are extremely tech savvy as a result; they develop new digital skills quickly.
• They process information quickly
• They are less motivated by money
• They plan to stay with the same employer for longer
• They are adept at working individually and as part of a team
• They value feedback and honesty from employers
• They are more entrepreneurial than any previous generation: interested in efficiency, productivity and making a difference to their employer’s performance

Why wouldn’t you want to get them on board?

To find out more please contact Janelle Casey or Damir Kadic on 08 9217 0510 or connect with me on LinkedIn