More than fifth of young Aussies want to work in health

The fact young people want to work in health is welcome news for those already in the industry, who claim they need more people in the profession.

More than a fifth of young Australians want to work in the health, aged care and disability sector, according to a new survey.

Over 5000 young people – 75 per cent of whom were aged 20 or younger – participated in a survey by careers advice website Skillsroad, with 21 per cent of respondents identifying health as the industry they plan to work in.

It is welcome news for graduate nurse at the Royal North Shore Hospital, 21-year-old Megan Feneley, who said they are always looking for new people.

Megan Feneley, 21, is one of many young Aussies who works in health. Picture: Supplied

“We need more people in the health care profession,” Ms Fenely said.

“So many nurses got burnt out really quickly because they were working overtime because of Covid.

“They sort of just had to stay and work up to 16 hours a day … I know that a lot of people chose to leave the healthcare profession because it just became too much.”

Ms Feneley feels young people like herself bring a new perspective and are well equipped to deal with the pressures of the job.

“I feel like young people can really develop resilience quite quickly,” she said.

“Having more younger and fresh faces is good, especially if they’re straight out of uni, since they’ve got that knowledge which they can expand on straight away, and it’s more updated knowledge, too.”

Graduate nurse Megan Feneley believes young people like herself suit the health industry. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

She was surprised young people are gravitating towards the profession, acknowledging it can be demanding, with the 24/7 schedule and impacts of Covid-19, but said the job is “very rewarding”.

“You get to be there for people, which can be in some of the most trying or scary times of their life.

“Seeing them get better over time is really, really special and to say I was the one who helped them get there is very rewarding.”

Another prevalent theme among survey respondents was nearly half were not confident they could get a job in their industry of choice.

Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said a benefit of working in health is new employees are in demand.

“Mental health issues in young people have been prevalent during the pandemic, with many losing their confidence,” Mr Hunter said.

“There’s a high labour shortage in healthcare and young people are attracted to industries that are stable, with better long-term career prospects and promotion opportunities.”

Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said the health industry is always looking for new workers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Originally published as More than fifth of young Aussies want to work in health