A manufacturing boss is finding it increasingly difficult to hire Gen Z workers as they seem reluctant to engage in manual labor.
The Albanese government recently announced a $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund aimed at boosting Australian manufacturing and creating jobs.
Paul Bucciarelli, the boss of Stripco Sandblasting and Powder Coating in southwest Sydney, expressed his struggle in recruiting young workers for his factory.
In an interview with A Current Affair, Bucciarelli highlighted the challenges faced by the manufacturing industry in Australia.
He mentioned that the younger workforce is scarce, attributing this scarcity to a negative perception of manual labor jobs among young Australians.
Bucciarelli expressed concern over the aging workforce in his company and the urgent need to attract a younger generation to fill these roles.
He attributed the lack of interest in manufacturing jobs among youth to a societal emphasis on pursuing higher education rather than vocational training.
Bucciarelli noted the imbalance between the number of educated individuals and the demand for manual labor jobs, attributing this to societal pressures and parental influence.
He emphasized that the current situation is not the fault of the younger generation, but rather a result of societal norms and educational practices.
“Society, government [and] education institutions have educated them in that way,” Mr Bucciarelli said.
“And [pushed] them in that direction to feel like they’re entitled.”
