More disadvantaged job seekers finding opportunity in care work

Australia’s most disadvantaged job seekers are finding new pathways into employment, with roles in care and nursing among the fastest growing.

A new report by Workskil Australia, the country’s largest not-for-profit employment services provider, shows hires have increased 6.3% among Australians receiving welfare benefits, with total new hires up more than 20% on last year.

The latest Work Watch report, which tracks outcomes for 50,000 registered job seekers, also highlights a sharp rise in hours worked. Female participants lifted their average fortnightly hours by 25.5% to 39.4, while male participants increased theirs by 23.6% to 45.1.

Workskil Australia CEO Nicole Dwyer said the results show signs of progress during a period of ongoing cost-of-living strain.

“It’s encouraging to see opportunities rising for vulnerable job seekers, who are often the last to benefit from any general upswing in the employment market,” she said.

“Importantly, the number of hours being worked is also higher. At a time when many household budgets are squeezed to breaking point, every dollar earned counts.”

While Trades and Services remain the top hiring industry, Health and Medical recorded one of the strongest surges, with growth of 39%.

“Much of this growth comes from high demand for nursing support workers and personal care assistants. These are very rewarding roles well suited to job seekers across a variety of backgrounds and experience,” Ms Dwyer said.

Migrant job seekers accounted for 15% of total employment in the Health and Medical sector, many of whom are parents and carers.

“By providing targeted assistance and training, job seekers are getting the break they need to end the unemployment cycle,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see people get their life back on track through meaningful work and particularly in a job where they are providing such value to others in need.”

A pathway to purpose

For Rong, one of Workskil Australia’s participants, that opportunity has reignited a lifelong ambition.

“Life circumstances forced me to leave school early, and that dream felt out of reach for many years,” she said. “After giving birth to my son Luke, I felt completely lost. I tried to return to my previous job, but it was taken away without any notice. I then spent weeks applying for jobs, anything I could find, but no one would hire me.”

Rong joined the Parent Pathways Program, delivered by Workskil Australia, and says it changed everything.

“Everything started to change,” she said. “I’ve learned that I didn’t have to choose between being a mother and building a career, I could do both, and in fact, being a mum could make me stronger.”

Through the program, Rong completed an English language exam, First Aid and CPR training, and a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

“Having that guidance at such a low point gave me hope, direction, and the belief that I could truly achieve my dream,” she said. “I will soon begin my Diploma of Nursing, and one day I hope to complete my Bachelor of Nursing.

“I want to become the kind of nurse who makes patients feel safe, cared for, and respected. Someone they can trust in their most vulnerable moments. I also hope to specialise in midwifery one day, because helping women and families during life changing moments feels especially meaningful to me.”

The Work Watch findings suggest that as workforce shortages in health and care persist, programs supporting disadvantaged job seekers are not just changing lives. They are helping to rebuild a critical sector.