Australians discouraged with undervalued skills

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Research into skills has revealed that the current skills shortage could get worse, with over 64% of workers dissatisfied with their current job – three quarters of these say they are not getting the credit they deserve because their skills aren’t valued. Over half of these frequently dissatisfied workers say their skills are not growing or enriched enough.

The Regeneration National Skills Poll* found Around one-third of those aged 45-64 years have felt discouraged from getting a job or a better job because they lacked the formal qualifications, while 30 per cent thought they were too old. Around one in four were discouraged because employers did not recognise their skills.

Of those not currently working, 43 per cent felt discouraged due to being out of the workforce for some time. Those from lower income households are more likely to feel discouraged from getting a job than those from higher income households.

Further, the research revealed that while Australians feel they have the skills, a staggering 94% believe that their everyday skills are not valued enough - 75% of Australians aged 45-64 years believe raising children is not valued as a skill, 73% believe that general life experience is not valued, with the same number believing that volunteer work is also not valued. This perception of skills directly relates to work – 73 per cent see a direct link between skills and salaries.

Uneasiness towards skills is felt right across the board, with baby boomers, generation X and generation Y.

With Prime Minister John Howard calling for more help for workers to learn new skills, it is interesting that over half of all respondents say that they have a lot to offer but that their skills are not always appreciated.

According to Noel Jones, founder of www.theReGeneration.com.au, “We knew Australians had a great range of skills and we believed they were not being recognised. We wanted to see the extent and effect of the issue.”

"We were surprised to find so many Australians feel their skills are not recognised, valued or enriched; more than we first imagined, its is obviously an issue that needs addressing.” said Noel.

Launched this month, TheReGeneration.com.au is Australia’s first service that allows individuals to market and trade their skills with the people that need them.

*Independent research conducted in September 2006, from a sample of 860 Australians.