General News
17 June, 2026
‘Misalignment’ in casual job cycle
ERODED confidence, a lack of workplace skills, transport difficulties and mental health challenges were some of the major factors affecting young people trying to secure long-term work, with employers often mistakenly believing it was a “lack of commitment”.
These were the key findings of a recently released report about young Australians enrolled in government employment programs, who were trapped in cycles of casual employment.
The report (TITLE) by job provider AKG (Ability, Knowledge, Growth), surveyed both employers and youth, and found a “tragic misalignment,” AKG executive general manager Karen Massier said.
“Young people experienced a significant impact to their professional and social development because of Covid-19 lockdowns, so they are often entering the workforce with eroded confidence, a lack of workplace skills, and mental health challenges.
“When they then struggle to navigate the workplace, it’s frequently interpreted as a ‘bad attitude’ or ‘lack of commitment’.
“Employers hesitate to offer permanent roles, trapping these young Australians in a cycle of casual insecurity that further damages their mental wellbeing and long-term prospects.”
Out of all employers surveyed, 62% said a “lack of commitment” was their top challenge when recruiting youth, with 59% saying expectations around “work effort and focus” were not met.
However, over a third (35%) of the youth surveyed said they struggled with transport, because they did not have a driver’s license or had no access to reliable public services, and 32% revealed they were battling mental health issues, social isolation, or low confidence.
Mareeba-based 24-year-old Jesse was among those struggling to find sustainable work.
After finishing school, he could not find long-term work in his local area. While he was outgoing and skilled at landing hospitality roles, his disabilities and unsupportive work environments meant he struggled to keep them.
Jesse’s turning point came when he joined the Inclusive Employment Australia program. His job coaches recognised Jesse needed to make a big life shift and he was encouraged to gain independence by moving away from an environment that was holding him back.
Today, Jesse’s life is on the up and up. He has moved to Mareeba where he rents a house with his girlfriend and has achieved true independence.
Working at a local business as a bartender and kitchen hand, Jesse has become a local favourite known for his “gorgeous smile” and exceptional memory for customer needs.
No longer just “washing dishes”, Jesse is now trained in stocktake, keno, and the front bar and is also working toward obtaining his Venue Manager’s license.
His message to other struggling youth is simple: “Don’t give up. Find that person that’s your person to support you... get motivated and go do it.”
Data included in the report found Australian youth faced an unemployment rate 1.3 times that of the general population – 10% compared to 4.2% - and an underemployment rate (people who have jobs but want or need more hours or better use of their skills) of 14.2%.
Ms Massier said Jesse’s experience highlighted a need for coordinated efforts to replace fragmented entry-level roles with supported pathways towards permanent stability.
“We cannot fix a systemic pipeline failure by blaming youth motivation.”
