After extensive consultation with members and stakeholders, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released our Boosting Business with Career Services Policy Paper.

The Paper’s recommendations centre on increasing exposure to the workplace; making it easier for employers to provide employment and workplace experiences; streamlining communication and administration in a place-based manner; and building capability of schools, employers and employees.

Research

According to job site Indeed’s Work Wellbeing Report 2023, only 23 per cent of workers believe they are ‘thriving’ at work, with 50 per cent likely to look for a job in the next 12 months.

Significantly, 91 per cent believe organisations can take action to retain them, with learning and career progression opportunities among the top three reasons at 41 per cent.

Indeed findings also reveal 33 per cent of Australian workers are not confident they have the relevant transferable skills necessary for a career change.

This aligns with a recent Victorian Chamber survey of members, with 94 per cent believing that career services are important.

Despite this, the Chamber’s Boosting Business with Career Services finds appropriate support and services have not evolved to ensure that students, graduates and workers are well placed to make career decisions.

Robust career services are paramount for Australia to maintain and foster a skilled workforce and navigate the ever-changing dynamics of that the global economy.

Recommendations

Among the Victorian Chamber’s 29 recommendations to improve careers services in Victoria and Australia-wide, the top four include:

• Establish a Local Careers Development Fund to enable a place-based approach to careers development activities and current, successful place-based careers development activities to be scaled up and replicated. Ensure employers and business groups can access this Fund.
• Establish subsides or tax incentives to employers who provide work experience and internships, and who provide professional career services to their employees.
• Ensure the Victorian Department of Education keeps Career Education Funding separate from schools’ global budgets and that the funding is utilised solely on career development services.
• Include careers development in school curriculums from Year 7 by inserting one career education subject in the curriculum as a compulsory unit of work.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “In a rapidly evolving job market and educational environment, it is essential that our careers services keep pace. This policy paper is the result of extensive research, collaboration, and innovation, in response to our members telling us how important careers services are. It outlines a comprehensive strategy to revolutionise careers services, ensuring that every Australian can access the support they need to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.

“It’s an area that impacts the pipeline of staff and business and we hope that this the beginning of a significant leap forward in enhancing the future of careers services, not only in Victoria but across Australia.

“By actioning the recommendations identified, we believe it will not only empower individuals to pursue their dreams but also strengthen the workforce, boost the economy, and ensure a brighter future for our nation, building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive Australia.”

The full paper and recommendations can be read via the Career Services Policy Paper.