Why Soft Skills Matter for Youth Employment: The Key to Unlocking Future Opportunities

As Australia’s workforce continues to evolve in the face of technology, automation, and globalisation,
the conversation around what truly prepares young people for employment is shifting. Academic
achievements and technical knowledge are still important—but they are no longer enough.

Today, soft skills are the currency of the future.

For young Australians entering the job market, the ability to communicate, collaborate, problem-
solve, adapt, and lead often determines whether they succeed—not only in landing their first role but
in thriving long-term. Employers across industries are actively seeking candidates who can work well
with others, think critically, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.

This blog explores why soft skills matter more than ever for youth employment, what they actually
are, how they can be developed, and how organisations, schools, and community programs can help
young people build them from the ground up.

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or transferable skills, are the non-technical abilities that
govern how individuals interact with others, manage their time, make decisions, and deal with
challenges. Unlike hard skills, which are often job-specific, soft skills are applicable across all roles,
industries, and career paths.

Key Soft Skills Include:

• Communication (verbal and written)
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Time management and organisation
• Leadership and initiative
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Conflict resolution
• Work ethic and self-motivation
• Creativity and innovation

In simple terms, soft skills are what make people effective and dependable team members, no matter
the job or industry.

Why Are Soft Skills Crucial for Youth Employment?

1. Employers Prioritise Soft Skills

A growing number of employers in Australia report that soft skills are just as important—if not
more important—than academic qualifications. According to a report by the Foundation for Young
Australians (FYA), demand for enterprise skills like communication and problem-solving has
increased significantly across entry-level job listings.

Employers know they can teach a new recruit how to use software or tools, but they can’t easily teach
someone how to collaborate, listen, or take initiative.

2. Soft Skills Improve Job Readiness

Young people entering the workforce may have limited professional experience. Soft skills help
bridge that gap by showing potential employers that a candidate has the right mindset, attitude, and
personal qualities to learn, grow, and contribute.

3. They Build Confidence and Independence

Soft skills empower young people to communicate their needs, advocate for themselves, manage time,
handle pressure, and build strong relationships with managers, peers, and clients.

4. They Future-Proof Careers

As job roles change due to technology and disruption, soft skills remain constant. Jobs of the future
will demand human capabilities that machines cannot replicate—such as empathy, ethical judgement,
adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

The Soft Skills Gap: A Hidden Barrier for Youth

Despite their importance, many young Australians lack exposure to soft skills development. This is
particularly true for students from:

Key Soft Skills Include:

• Low socioeconomic backgrounds
• Regional and remote communities
• First Nations and culturally diverse groups
• Families without access to professional role models

These young people may excel in school or training, but still struggle to find or retain employment
due to a lack of workplace-ready skills like confidence, communication, or teamwork.

The Role of Schools, Organisations, and Community Programs

Addressing the soft skills gap requires a collaborative effort across education, industry, and
community sectors. Here’s how each can play a role:

1. Schools and Educators

• Embed soft skills into curriculum delivery through group work, presentations, and project-based learning.
• Offer leadership opportunities and extracurricular programs that build teamwork and confidence.
• Provide career counselling that includes resume building, interview preparation, and communication coaching.

2. Employers and Industry

• Create structured internship and work placement programs for youth.
• Develop onboarding and mentoring processes that nurture soft skills from day one.
• Partner with local schools and training organisations to deliver workshops and mock interviews.

3. Youth Empowerment Organisations

Programs like those offered by the Johnathan Thurston Academy (JTA) place a strong emphasis on
developing soft skills through real-world, culturally safe, and motivational experiences. Programs
such as JTBelieve, JTLeadLikeAGirl, and JTSucceed teach critical soft skills by helping young
people:

• Set goals and take initiative
• Reflect on their strengths and areas for growth
• Communicate confidently in interviews
• Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds

This type of experiential learning, especially when combined with mentorship, is one of the most
effective ways to teach soft skills to youth.

Soft Skills in Action: Real-Life Applications

To understand the importance of soft skills, let’s look at how they show up in common workplace
situations:

• Communication: A young intern needs to write a clear, professional email or answer a client call.
• Time management: A part-time retail worker juggles study, work shifts, and family commitments.
• Problem-solving: A new hire at a warehouse needs to resolve a logistical issue on the spot.
• Adaptability: A hospitality worker adjusts to a sudden change in venue or team.
• Teamwork: A graduate working in a project team must balance their tasks while supporting colleagues.

In each of these scenarios, it’s soft skills—not technical knowledge—that determine success.

Developing Soft Skills: Practical Strategies for Young People

Young people don’t need formal employment to begin building their soft skills. Many of these can be
developed through everyday activities, such as:

• Volunteering: Builds teamwork, empathy, and communication.
• Sport and group activities: Strengthens leadership, resilience, and discipline.
• Casual or part-time work: Develops customer service, responsibility, and work ethic.
• Creative projects or clubs: Encourages innovation, collaboration, and time management.
• Public speaking or debate clubs: Enhances verbal communication and confidence.

Additionally, programs like those offered by JTA provide structured pathways for soft skills
development—supported by mentors who model positive behaviours and growth mindsets.

How to Showcase Soft Skills in a Job Application

Even when a young person has developed soft skills, many struggle to communicate them effectively
in a resume or interview. Here are some tips:

-1. Use ActionOriented Language

Instead of saying “good communication skills,” say “presented weekly project updates to class group”
or “handled customer enquiries during weekend retail shifts.”

2. Give Examples

Provide real-life situations where you demonstrated teamwork, leadership, or initiative. Use the
STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

3. Include Extracurricular Experience

Highlight sporting achievements, school projects, community roles, or creative pursuits that showcase
interpersonal and transferable skills.

4. Ask for Feedback

Mentors, teachers, or youth program facilitators can help review your resume or conduct mock
interviews.

The Future Is Human: Why Soft Skills Are Here to Stay

While technical skills and qualifications may land a job, it’s soft skills that ensure young people stay,
succeed, and grow in the workplace. They help build strong relationships, manage pressure, learn on
the job, and step into leadership roles.

In fact, as industries evolve and new roles emerge, the demand for uniquely human abilities will only
increase. According to the World Economic Forum, the top skills for the future include:

• Emotional intelligence
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Resilience
• Critical thinking

These are not learned through textbooks—they are built through life experience, mentorship, and practice.

Case Study: How JTSucceed Builds Soft Skills for Career Readiness

The Johnathan Thurston Academy’s JTSucceed program is a powerful example of how soft skills
can be intentionally developed in young people.

• Resume and interview workshops
• Team-based challenges and discussions
• Goal-setting exercises
• Reflection journals
• Career coaching and roleplay

Many young people enter the program unsure of their capabilities—but leave with confidence, communication skills, and a clear sense of purpose. The result is not just employment readiness—but personal transformation.

Soft Skills Shape Futures

Soft skills aren’t just “nice to have”—they are essential life tools. For young people stepping into
adulthood and employment, soft skills determine how they navigate the world, build relationships,
and contribute to their communities.

Whether through school, work, mentoring, or programs like those offered by the Johnathan Thurston
Academy, there are countless opportunities to build and refine these skills. The earlier they are taught,
the stronger and more future-ready our youth will be.

In an age where jobs change fast but people matter most, soft skills are not just valuable—they are
non-negotiable.

Want to empower your students, clients, or children with real-world employment skills?
Explore youth development and career programs at www.jtacademy.com.au or connect with local
organisations focused on youth empowerment.