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The demographic of the Australian workforce is currently changing. This is due to a number of factors such as an aging population, labour shortages and immigration. Another significant factor that has changed the workforce is the changes in the attitudes of workers; with the much debated discussion regarding the different generations - Baby Boomers (those born just after World War II), Generation X (born in 1960's-70's) and Generation Y (born in 1980's to present)- and their views on career and employment.

Changes in the workforce mean that employers may need to adapt their recruitment, training and management processes. An example of this is that there are currently a large number of older people either currently employed or seeking employment.

Where employers may have previously looked to younger people as a source of recruits, they may now have to broaden their view to find what a wider range of people have to offer. Many of these people may not have changed jobs in a significant period of time and may require extra training to bring their skills up to date.

There is also a shortage of skilled labour in many sectors. This means that employers may have to take on less skilled workers initially and develop them, rather than simply hiring experienced people. There may even be a need to hire workers from overseas or people who have recently immigrated to Australia in order to fill gaps in the labour market. Employers will need to expand their search to find these people.

There is a move towards working closer to home or from home, particularly with new parents who don't have access to childcare. Employers may find that they need to make this a possible option in order to retain or find new staff. Allowing people to work from home will also make the employer and job more attractive to a wider range of people.

The government has placed an emphasis on the training of young and unskilled workers, indigenous people and people with disabilities. This has led to a number of incentives for employers wishing to take on apprentices or offer internships.

More information can be found here on:

• Job Access for people with a disability
• Australian Apprenticeships
• National Indigenous Cadetship Project (NICP)