On 25 July 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA)—the national skills policy advisory body—released its annual report, highlighting a concerning finding: most university graduates in Australia are not adequately prepared to enter the workforce.

 

The report draws on surveys and feedback from employers, businesses, and training institutions across the country.

The Gap Between University Training and the Real-World Workplace

The report revealed that although many graduates perform well academically, they still struggle significantly when transitioning into the job market due to:

  • Lack of soft skills such as teamwork, professional communication, and problem-solving
  • Limited practical experience due to insufficient placements, internships, or job simulations
  • Difficulty adapting to multicultural, high-pressure, or service-oriented work environments

Notably, in fields like engineering and information technology, JSA reported that up to 90% of recent graduates were considered “not job-ready” by employers during the recruitment process.

Root Causes and Recommendations

Jobs and Skills Australia identified three main causes:

  1. University programs remain theory-heavy, offering limited real-world experience
  2. Weak coordination between universities and vocational education providers (TAFE, VET)
  3. Underdeveloped partnerships with industry, lacking clear placement and assessment expectations

To address these challenges, JSA recommends several reforms:

  • Blended degrees: combining academic learning with applied vocational components
  • Degree apprenticeships: work-integrated learning models with supervision
  • Mandatory practical placements embedded in university courses
  • Stronger tri-sector collaboration between universities, industry, and vocational providers
Implications for People-Focused Professions

While the report does not name specific sectors, it has clear implications for people-centric fields such as community services, social work, healthcare, and education.

In these professions, where real-life interaction, cultural competence, and rapid decision-making are essential, theoretical knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical, hands-on experience is vital to developing job-ready confidence and capability.

That’s why more students and early-career professionals are proactively seeking structured skill development programs to strengthen their employability before entering the workforce.

Practical Training: The Missing Link to Career Readiness

In people-facing professions such as aged care, disability support, health, and social services, real-world workplace training is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a crucial step to ensure long-term success.

At NextGem, our Job Ready Program is tailored for students and recent graduates in these sectors. The program bridges the gap between academic learning and real-life practice through supervised placement, hands-on projects, and personalised coaching.

Key program outcomes:
  • 120 to 500 hours of supervised practical experience in community organisations, health centres, support services, or NDIS settings
  • Training in professional communication, cultural competency, record keeping, and team collaboration
  • Assistance with CV writing, interview preparation, and career planning
  • Access to reference letters, completion certificates, and performance evaluations to enhance your professional profile

This program offers a strategic pathway for those who seek more than a qualification—those who aim to be truly job-ready.

Final Thoughts

The JSA 2025 report sends a clear message: higher education in Australia must shift from theory to practice, and from assessment-based learning to workforce preparedness.

For students in people-oriented sectors, gaining practical experience is not only essential for employability, but also a defining factor in long-term career growth.

If you’re looking for a program that builds your skills, boosts your confidence, and helps you stand out in the job market, NextGem’s Job Ready Program may be the ideal step forward.

 

>> Contact us for personalised advice, or register today to receive a tailored readiness plan based on your goals.

 

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