[From atWork Australia]
Training is more than a pathway to employment – it’s a fundamental driver of confidence, capability and career progression, and is key to enhancing an individual’s ability to engage and progress in the workforce. 

Employment services provider atWork Australia has identified that long term unemployment is often connected to lower education completion rates. Almost a quarter of atWork Australia’s clients living with disability, injury or health condition have faced additional barriers to employment having not completed their high school education. 

Therefore, there are many benefits to businesses who invest in workforce development opportunities for their people. In fact, eight in ten human resource managers believe training helps attract and retain talent, an investment that is particularly crucial at a time when businesses are facing growing skills shortages. 

However, many Australians face barriers to accessing training and skills development. A report by the Australian Industry Group found that three in four (75%) businesses identify skills shortages as a significant challenge, further emphasising the need for programs that improve workforce readiness.  Meanwhile, around 59% of employees report receiving no workplace training, with many stating they primarily learned skills through self-directed learning. 

atWork Australia champions the importance of training as a critical investment for both clients and employers. By equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills and practical experience, training not only opens doors to employment but also supports businesses in securing a skilled and capable workforce. 

Over the past two years, atWork Australia has supported close to 54,000 ind