Skills training critical to closing national employment gap, says atWork Australia

Training is more than a pathway to employment – it’s a fundamental driver of confidence, capability and career progression, and is key to enhancing an individual’s ability to engage and progress in the workforce. 

Employment services provider atWork Australia has identified that long term unemployment is often connected to lower education completion rates. Almost a quarter of atWork Australia’s clients living with disability, injury or health condition have faced additional barriers to employment having not completed their high school education. 

Therefore, there are many benefits to businesses who invest in workforce development opportunities for their people. In fact, eight in 10 human resource managers believe training helps attract and retain talent¹, an investment that is particularly crucial at a time when businesses are facing growing skills shortages. 

However, many Australians face barriers to accessing training and skills development. A report by the Australian Industry Group found that three in four (75%) businesses identify skills shortages as a significant challenge, further emphasising the need for programs that improve workforce readiness².  Meanwhile, around 59% of employees report receiving no workplace training, with many stating they primarily learned skills through self-directed learning³. 

atWork Australia champions the importance of training as a critical investment for both clients and employers. By equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills and practical experience, training not only opens doors to employment but also supports businesses in securing a skilled and capable workforce. 

Over the past two years, atWork Australia has supported close to 54,000 individuals with disability, injury or health condition with training to help equip them to re-enter the workforce. Many of these individuals live in regional areas, where employment options can be limited. A mix of accredited and vocational training has been facilitated, such as driving lessons, barista courses, construction induction training (white card) and language programs, through to accredited Certificate III courses including Business and Medical administration. 

With rates of Australian students leaving school before the end of year 12 at a 10-year high, and almost one in five (21%) not completing their full 13 years of education⁴, atWork Australia is doing all it can to help close the gap associated with lower education and the opportunity for employment by supporting individual to complete training. 

atWork Australia client Natalie, aged 31 from North Perth, WA, knows first-hand the power of training in rebuilding confidence and securing employment. A registered nurse since 2019, Natalie’s career was put on hold when she became unwell two years later. 

After facing significant personal challenges, including drug and alcohol dependency and mental health challenges, she made the decision to seek treatment. After completing a residential rehabilitation program, she was determined to return to her profession. 

Natalie connected with atWork Australia where she was supported to navigate the complex process of re-registering as a nurse, ensuring she could return to her profession rather than taking a job outside her field. 

“It was really important to me that I wasn’t pressured to take just any job,” she said. “atWork Australia understood my worth and my passion for nursing, and they helped me take the right steps to return to skilled work. They listened to me and understood the importance of this after undergoing such tough times. Being knocked back from work was not easy, but they provided the support I needed.” 

Through a structured return-to-work program with atWork Australia, Natalie enhanced her skills by completing first aid and mental health courses, a mental health nursing study program at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), and short courses in aged and dementia care. 

With renewed qualifications and confidence, Natalie secured a Registered Nurse role where she now works four days a week in aged care, specialising in dementia care and mental and physical health. 

“Do what you are passionate about,” she advises others considering training. “I never felt like I wanted to go anywhere else – nursing is my calling. My advice? Go for it.” 

atWork Australia offers tailored services to support individuals facing various challenges, helping them not only enter the workforces but thrive within it. These programs provide individuals with the skills, confidence and support necessary to overcome barriers and build successful careers.  

To learn more about atWork Australia’s services, visit: www.atworkaustralia.com.au.