National Report Reveals a Committed, Capable Career Development Workforce Ready to Shape Australia’s Future
Australia’s career development profession stands as one of the most committed and capable workforces in the country, according to new findings released in the 2024 National Survey of Career Development Practitioners, commissioned by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA).
Drawing on detailed responses from 734 career development practitioners across Australia, the survey paints a powerful picture of a diverse, highly skilled profession working at the forefront of education, employment, and life transitions. The results confirm the sector’s significant contribution to national priorities, including workforce resilience, skills development, and social equity.
A profession grounded in experience and purpose.
The report highlights that nearly half (45%) of all respondents have more than 10 years of dedicated practice in the field and that three-quarters (75%) entered the profession from other roles and sectors, bringing a wealth of cross-industry experience that strengthens the adaptability and relevance of the industry.
Despite 72% of the workforce being aged 45 or older, the data shows promising signs of renewal, with an increasing proportion of professionals under 45. The profession is positioned as a strong mid-career choice, offering both fulfilment and impact.
“This is a mature and mission-driven workforce,” said CICA Executive Director David Carney. “Our practitioners bring life experience, professional depth, and a shared commitment to helping others make informed decisions about their careers and futures.”
High qualifications, high impact.
The report underscores a sector that is academically and professionally engaged. Two-thirds of practitioners (66%) hold a Graduate Certificate in Career Development or higher, the nationally recognised standard for professional practice, and more than half express interest in pursuing a Master’s qualification.
Practitioners deliver substantial value to clients, with one-on-one career conversations ranked as the most impactful and beneficial service. Helping individuals connect with education and training pathways also scored highly, reinforcing the profession’s role in driving upskilling, re-skilling, and career mobility.
Challenges exist, but so does opportunity.
While practitioners report high levels of engagement, they also face systemic barriers. Key challenges include excessive workload (32%), lack of quality leadership (27%), and limited career progression (26%). One in four has no professional development budget, and many remain unaware if such a budget exists.
Despite this, the profession remains resilient and optimistic. An impressive 8.1/10 average job engagement score, along with the finding that 53% of respondents believe the sector will improve over the next five years, speaks to a workforce with a strong collective purpose and a desire for continuous improvement.
AI and digital capability: The next frontier.
The report identifies artificial intelligence as a key area of development. Over 70% of respondents highlighted AI as the most urgent professional development need, yet more than half have never used it in their practice. Training needs include AI for job search support, the ethical and responsible use of AI, resume screening, and interpreting labour market data.
“The appetite for AI training is strong,” said Mr Carney. “Career development professionals are eager to embrace new technologies, but they need support, investment, and clear guidance to ensure these tools are used ethically and effectively.”
Systemic support is needed to unlock potential.
The report recommends targeted, long-term investment to strengthen the profession and meet the growing demand. Priority areas include building career pathways into leadership roles, embedding the Professional Standards into everyday practice, enhancing performance evaluation, and strengthening supervision and mentoring.
Strategic investment in digital infrastructure and practitioner capability, particularly in the use of AI and blended service delivery models, is also essential for ensuring equitable access and responsive support for all Australians.
“Career development practitioners play a transformative role in workforce planning, lifelong learning, and individual empowerment,” Mr Carney said. “They should be at the centre of every conversation about education and employment reform.”
About the survey
The 2024 National Survey of Career Development Practitioners was conducted from 28 October to 28 November 2024 and includes responses from professionals working across education, employment services, community organisations, athlete wellbeing and engagement and private practice. The findings provide critical insights to inform workforce planning, policy, and strategic decision-making across the sector.
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