Employers rejecting gen Y graduates with ‘over inflated view of their worth’

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HOW DO WE FIX IT?

Some employers say it’s a generational thing, which won’t be news to Gen Ys used to being slammed and recently labelled the unprepared generation. Others blame the university system, or the schools that encourage them to get there.

While it’s clear that market forces and economic restructuring are affecting the demand for new graduates, the ACCI says it’s up to universities, young wannabe professionals, and industries to each do their part to produce valuable employees.

Last month the group’s chief executive, Kate Carnell, spoke to news.com.au about universities “disconnected with the workforce”, while University of Melbourne Youth Research Centre director Professor Johanna Wyn said it was unfair to put expect universities to “be all things to all people”.

“It would be fabulous if young people were gaining really strong skills that they should be learning, but it’s really hard for educators to catch up. Instead of turning it around and blaming schools, we should look at other pathways.

Ms Lambert said universities like RMIT in Melbourne are leading the way in pushing for vocational learning and encouraging internships.

At his inner city accounting firm, Mr Fiumara believes he’s found at least a possible solution, or step on the right path for businesses working together with the education system, working together with kids.

He’s also advocated for apprentice-style training, or compulsory work placements as in medical degrees to be enforced across more industries.

But in the end, he says, it comes down to the work ethic of the individual.

“You can get great workers and not so great workers from all over the place,” he says.

“Whether it’s a generational thing or not, sometimes there’s a bit of luck and good management involved too.”