Latest research shows young job seekers have higher overall wellbeing than mature aged job seekers 2022 Youth Week 4-14th April: It's up to YOU'th
atWork Australia Job Seeker Wellbeing Index - Youth research, released for Youth Week, identified that young Australian job seekers have a higher overall wellbeing than mature aged job seekers and a strong need for connection, holistic wellness, and work readiness.
The Index developed through a partnership between atWork Australia and Huber Social, helps inform atWork Australia's practical and holistic services in support of the whole individual rather than only focusing on the employment needs of young job seekers', particularly those living with a disability, injury, health condition or disadvantage.
"Beyond vocational skills and expertise, a person also requires the social, mental and physical capability to engage with and maintain employment, and all the positive outcomes that come with it," said Debbie Brooks, General Manager Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement, atWork Australia.
"We understand good quality employment is good for improving mental health. Employment can decrease the risk of depression and improve the wellbeing of their family, friends, and the wider community."
"On average young job seekers who feel part of a community, who are emotionally intelligent, and who are confident in their employment skills are more likely to have higher wellbeing than other job seekers. An increase across any of these areas will most likely have a positive impact in the wellbeing of the young job seeker," she explained.
For Shaun Pianta, Paralympian and Disability Employment Services Ambassador for atWork Australia, there is nothing more powerful than finding meaningful work. Having acquired a vision disability at the age of 19, Shaun is passionate about sharing his personal experiences of finding employment with a disability, to help inspire other young Australians and reassure them that employment can be possible and help is at hand.
"At high school, we always get asked "what are you going to do after school?", and this often triggers a range of different emotions. If you add any form of disability or disadvantage on top of that, you become overwhelmed with apprehension and anxiety. But there is work out there for everyone, you just need to know where to go to for help," he explains.
"Our Youth Hub model is designed for youth job seekers needs' by creating spaces that facilitate community connection, increasing access to job skills, education, mental health and financial aid services, and building self- confidence and hope for future prospects through one-on-one peer coaching," said Ms Brooks.
"Job seekers have access to Job Coaches, in-house psychological support services, and a community of other young people, all in one place. Through supporting their wellbeing needs, atWork Australia helps young people across the country enter the labour force with greater confidence and ability to fulfil their potential."
This includes the Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare Trial Hire) Internships or other forms of work experience, providing short employment placements that give young people an opportunity to demonstrate their skills to a potential employer, develop vocational skills, and improve their employment prospects. At the same time, employers can trial young job seekers in a structured work experience placement to see if they are the right fit for their business.
"We understand good quality employment is good for improving mental health, and employment can decrease the risk of depression, and we know the profound impact work has not only on the individual's mental health, but the wellbeing of their family, friends, and the wider community," said Ms Brooks.
