The retail and food services industries have been on the frontline of Australia's skill shortage with data released by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealing nearly 31% of employing businesses reported experiencing difficulty finding and retaining staff;1 with medium to large retail and hospitality service businesses 39% more likely to face this challenge than other industries.2
With opportunities for employment in the retail and hospitality industries booming in the lead up to Christmas, it is a significant opportunity to support those Australians in need of employment to find meaningful work that is right for them. That is why as a leading employment services provider, atWork Australia is helping people, like James and Wade, build confidence to get back into the workforce and find the right job for them.
28-year-old James, originally from Dubbo, regional NSW, was an early school leaver completing his school certificate in 2010, who decided to make the move to Sydney in search for greater opportunities and the city lifestyle. Living with a range of neurological conditions, James had significant obstacles to overcome with this move.
Having always had an interest and getting enjoyment from working with others, James knew work would be the best way to settle himself into this new city. To this end, James started working in several retail and hospitality short-term jobs but found himself out of work when these businesses begun to shut down, due to COVID-19. "I've worked many jobs over the years, but all of them were only ever short-term. I found I could never really find the motivation to think more long-term – I was just doing what I had to do in the moment to get through", said James.
After some difficulty finding an employment services provider who was right for him, James was put in contact with atWork Australia Job Coach, Sharlene. After learning more about James' previous work experience, his diagnoses, and his interests, Sharlene referred James to atWork Australia's Wellness Support Program, Positivum, a health and wellbeing coaching program – a service that provides tailored support to identifying the barriers and perceived barriers individuals may experience to seeking long-term employment.
Through this process, James discovered he wanted to build his understanding of the retail industry, to better position himself to secure a long-term role, and with the support of atWork Australia, James has now begun completing a Certificate III in Retail. "I was in the atWork Australia office and saw a display advertising an opportunity to complete the Certificate III in Retail, I couldn't read and write that well due to some of my conditions so was a bit apprehensive that this was something I could do, but Sharlene encouraged and helped me to apply, and it's been a really empowering experience so far", said James.
Similarly, to James, Wade, a 46-year-old husband and father of one also suffers from anxiety and depression and was connected with atWork Australia in Tasmania to support him to find work that was right for him. As the primary carer for his wife and child, Wade had been unable to join the workforce for over 15 years and was keen to find casual employment that allowed him to continue to care for his family.
Like James, Wade was referred to Positivum to support his health and wellbeing in preparedness for his employment. After quickly securing a job at the local bottle shop, atWork Australia also supported Wade to purchase the clothing and shoes he needed to start his new role. "I want to thank my employer for giving me a chance and to atWork Australia, who have been fantastic in giving me the tools, resources and confidence to return to work. I really appreciate the work they do", said Wade.
Positivum is just one-way atWork Australia are helping support businesses with these significant staffing shortages in the lead up to the Christmas period. At atWork Australia, we recognise the importance of investing in employee learning and development and the benefits this can have, not only to the individual, but the businesses they are employed in. That is why we provide pre-employment practical help, in addition to In-Work Support, to encourage long term employment.
