Meet the future, face to face
The future workforce is sitting in today’s classrooms – and employers have a powerful opportunity to shape it. When businesses engage directly with young people, they help turn abstract career ideas into real, achievable pathways. Face‑to‑face connections allow students to understand what roles actually involve, what skills are valued, and how education links to employment.
Without these opportunities, many secondary students are left to make important career decisions without the full picture. Some aspire to roles that may change significantly in the coming years, or expect rapid progression without understanding the experience and training required. In other cases, there’s a clear mismatch between career ambitions and the qualifications those roles demand.
Young people today are ambitious, motivated, and more educated than ever before – but navigating a complex labour market without real‑world insight is challenging. At the same time, employers often struggle to find young people with the right skills, readiness, or expectations. This isn’t a lack of potential – it’s a lack of alignment.
When employers step in – through conversations, mentoring, workplace exposure or pathway guidance – that alignment becomes possible. Meeting the future face to face brings clarity, builds stronger talent pipelines, and helps young people make informed choices that benefit both their futures and the workforce of tomorrow.
How your business can connect with schools and students
Students need authentic and ‘first-hand’ knowledge of the many and varied career options. In fact, the more often your business provides this the better the outcome for students and your business.
Start by engaging with students (and their schools). Options include:
- Inviting students to visit your workplace for tours
- Job shadowing (ie, where students gain a better understanding of what a job entails by following one or more staff members through their daily routines).
- Providing short-term work experience through the Worked-based Learning program
- Taking on a school-based apprentice or trainee
- Visiting students at their school (or online) as a guest speaker
- Being part of a career talk or expo
- Profiling an employee’s success story or promoting a trade event on a career resource website – such as Careerify!
Any one of these options can make for a powerful and lasting impression on students.
What’s more, this enables you to meet future potential employees of your business (and for them to meet you).
A ‘win win’ for students and employers
The benefits to students connecting with employers include
- Students have a better understanding of the labour market
- Students learn about distinctive workplace cultures
- Students’ aspirations broaden
- Students challenge their assumptions about their ambitions
- Students create networks with people working in the real world
- Students are more employable later on.
The benefits to employers by connecting with students include
- When you show students what you do, it shows students what they can do
- An expansion of the talent pipeline to your business
- More chance of finding the best talent
- New employees (once former students) know upfront what’s expected in the role.
This means they can hit the ground running. - Higher retention and productivity levels of staff due to greater job satisfaction
Teenagers in Australia who took part in workplace visits earned 9% more at age 25 than comparable peers. They were also more likely to be satisfied with their career as adults*
In Australia, students who attended a Careers Expo at age 15/16 had greater career satisfaction at age 25/26 than peers who didn’t participate in education events*
How your organisation can get involved
Try being proactive. Whether you are a business or peak industry body, you can do a variety of things to engage the workforce of the future. For more information contact Learning Pathways at the Department for Education, Children and Young People, Tasmania. vocationallearning@decyp.tas.gov.au
Student success story
Plumbing with Purpose: Building the Future One Apprentice at a Time
Through the ASbA program, employers are not just building skills – they’re building culture, community, and long-term strength in the workforce.
With a strong focus on people, professionalism, and doing the right thing, employers are redefining what it means to work in the trades.
That same purpose is what led Kiely Plumbing to the Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) program.
“We’re not just filling roles—we’re growing people,” says Sam Kiely. “The ASbA program gives us the chance to nurture talent early and build real confidence in young people.”
Kiely’s first ASbA apprentice, Isabella, has already become a standout success story. Still in school when she joined, Isabella brought initiative, curiosity, and a calm confidence that made her an immediate fit.
“She’s hands-on, asks smart questions, and brings a steady energy that lifts our whole team. She’s not just learning—she’s already leading.”
Isabella has gained real-world experience across a range of plumbing jobs—from maintenance and diagnostics to on-site installations. But what stands out most is her growth in confidence and capability.
“She’s proof that young women absolutely belong in this industry,” says Sam. “She’s shifting perceptions by simply showing up and doing great work.”
For the Kiely Plumbing team, the benefits of the ASbA program have been wide-reaching:
- A stronger talent pipeline.
- A more motivated, values-aligned team member.
- Leadership development opportunities for senior staff.
- Positive recognition in the community.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
“At the start, there was a learning curve with paperwork and coordination – but the school and training provider were incredibly supportive. Now, we’d absolutely do it again.”
Their advice to other employers?
“Just start. The rewards far outweigh the admin. You’re shaping a future team member and contributing to the future of your industry.”
Through the ASbA program, employers are not just building skills—they’re building culture, community, and long-term strength in the workforce.
This is how we future proof the trades. One student, one opportunity, one purpose-driven step at a time.