The report examines the barriers that students in Australia from five socio-economic groups (non-English speaking background, Indigenous origin, low socio-economic status (SES) in childhood, father’s unemployment experience during childhood, and living in a single-parent family at age 14) may face when progressing through their career.

The study found that, among the five socio-economic groups analysed, graduates from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB) faced the most significant labour market challenges. However, their choice of field of study helped mitigate some of these disadvantages. These results show a need for targeted support for individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds, who may face more disadvantages in the labour market than individuals from an English-speaking background.

Recommendations

1. More and clear career guidance and access to information should be provided for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2. Targeted support is needed to increase the representation of disadvantaged students in high-return disciplines at university.
3. Policymakers should develop targeted strategies to address the persistent and multifaceted challenges faced by NESB Australians in the labour market.
4. Governments should introduce initiatives to remove structural barriers that limit the career progression of workers from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly NESB individuals and those who experienced low SES in childhood.