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What Employers Need to Know about Hiring Gen Z

Hiring Gen Z blog 2

The future of Australia’s workforce is young, and ready to work, and the businesses that recognise this stand to gain an advantage.

Jobs and Skills Australia’s latest Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (REOS) gives us some important insight into how employers are engaging with young jobseekers, and what’s working when it comes to attracting and keeping them.

If your team is thinking about long-term workforce development, understanding these insights can make all the difference.

Young Workers Are Applying And Getting Hired

According to the REOS survey: 

  • 58% of businesses reported receiving applications from young people
  • Of those, 82% hired at least one
  • And nearly half (47%) were actively seeking young applicants for open roles

So what does that tell us? That young people are applying, are interested in real opportunities, and are being hired. Especially by medium and large employers who have the structure and support in place.

In other words, there’s no shortage of interest. The challenge (and the opportunity) is how you attract the right young people, set them up for success, and keep them engaged.


What Employers Value in Young Jobseekers

Experience is often seen as the main hurdle for young people entering the workforce. But according to the REOS data, that’s not the full story.

When asked what matters most in a young hire, employers prioritised:

  • The right attitude
  • Good communication skills
  • Relevant experience

This reinforces that while experience has its place, employers are ultimately looking for people who are willing to learn, can communicate well, and contribute positively to the team from day one.

Read our article here that discusses more about why soft skills are just as important as a degree.
 

There’s More Support Out There Than Businesses Realise

One of the more surprising findings in the REOS data? Only 18% of businesses accessed government programs or subsidies when hiring young workers.

That means many organisations may be missing out on tools specifically designed to make early-career recruitment more accessible and cost-effective, including wage subsidies, structured traineeship programs, and wraparound support.

For employers already facing skills shortages or looking to strengthen their future pipeline, this is an untapped opportunity. These programs aren’t just about short-term savings; they can contribute to better retention, stronger onboarding experiences, and more confident young team members.

Why Investing in Young Workers Makes Business Sense

There are plenty of reasons to prioritise young workers in your recruitment strategy, and they go well beyond filling roles quickly.

Here’s what businesses gain when they bring young people on board:

  • Fresh thinking and digital confidence: Gen Z brings creativity, adaptability, and a deep familiarity with digital tools, all essential in a changing world of work.
  • Stronger workplace culture: Blending experience with new energy creates opportunities for mentorship, team learning, and broader perspectives.
  • Long-term workforce sustainability: When you invest in young workers, you’re not just filling today’s roles, you’re building tomorrow’s leaders.

Want practical ideas for supporting a trainee in the workplace? We've put together our top tips here.

Final Thoughts

If your organisation is looking to stay ahead, now is the time to take a closer look at how you're engaging with early-career talent. The question isn’t whether young people are ready to work; it’s whether we’re giving them the structure and support to succeed.

At Y Careers, we help employers do just that. Whether you're looking to:

  • Recruit fully qualified young candidates
  • Hire through traineeships
  • Or use a managed traineeship service with added wraparound support

We’ll work with you to find the right solution. We partner with you to find the right solution, one that’s been co-designed with young people and built for long-term success.

Ready to explore what’s possible? Click here to view our services and find the right fit for your organisation.

And if you haven’t already, follow Y Careers on LinkedIn and make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to stay across the latest insights, updates and opportunities.
 

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