Goal #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth | Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Most

Employable University

named by AFR for the fifth year in a row

1st

by the Australian

for producing venture-backed entrepreneurs

90%

completion

of initiatives in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan

In this video, Suzanna Mahinder from the Centre for Social Impact, UNSW, breaks down some of the key challenges behind SDG #8.

Our work

Career Discovery Mentoring Program

Connects students with industry professionals, providing guidance and knowledge of industries and sectors, career options, industry trends, and workplace culture and dynamics.

Best for careers

UNSW ranked best in Australia for graduate career outcomes from the Australian Financial Review (AFR). AFR also named UNSW the ‘Most Employable University’ for the fifth year in a row.

Tax help for microbusinesses

60% of small business in Australia, often have overdue tax returns or large tax debts causing emotional and financial stress.

Teachers need affordable housing

A shortage of teachers in Australia is being fueled by affordable housing shortages. UNSW researchers discovered, 90 per cent of teachers can't afford to live where they teach.

Government commissioned research

The NSW Department of Education commissioned the SPRC and UNSW School of Education to undertake an outcomes evaluation of the Educational Pathways Program, designed to improve further education and career outcomes for young people.

Addressing a chronic skill shortage

The Kaldor Centre is leading a pioneering new research project set to shape win-win solutions that help address regional Australia’s chronic skill shortages and ensure skilled refugees find employment.

Addressing modern slavery

The UNSW annual modern slavery report notes the modern slavery risk rating for direct work force is low.

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UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute

In 2019 the UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute (AHRI) hosted the 'Innovate Rights' conference addressing Modern Slavery and exploring ‘What does a good modern slavery reporting and assurance program look like?'.

Overhauling Australia’s modern slavery laws

The video on the right, produced by UNSW students Claris Lai, Flora Wu, Kyle Zhang, Kyle Zhang and Qin Yan raises awareness about modern slavery in areas such as the garment and food industries.

Slavery is not over | Justine Nolan

Slavery may be something you associate with the past. But the harsh reality is, that the vast number of products and services we buy every day have a hidden story; they’ve been made by slaves. Justine Nolan has seen first-hand, what needs to be done to end the practice of slavery once and for all.

Initiatives

Lecturer Helps Scholar with Project, Advising on Their Work. Teacher Giving Lesson to Diverse Multiethnic Group of Female and Male Students in College Room, Teaching New Academic Skills on a Computer.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

In 2023, 10,380 students across all UNSW Faculties (Canberra and Sydney) undertook a WIL activity which strengthens students’ work readiness skills and enhances employability through integrating academic learning with practice.

Diverse mid adult students using computers during class in college

Free virtual internships

Forage (formerly InsideSherpa) as part of UNSW Founder's Flagship accelerator Founders 10x, creates virtual internship programs for any student to upskill on tasks directly relevant to employers.

Safer Communities

Safer Communities will enhance the University’s efforts in gendered violence, managing psychosocial risk, respect at work and staff wellbeing, while continuing to foster a collaborative approach, through active formal engagement with students and staff.

Flexible Work Policy

UNSW is committed to developing a high-performing workplace culture that enables staff to integrate their work and other life responsibilities. In 2022, UNSW finalised the Flexible Work Policy, which better reflects the changing nature of the way we work.

UNSW Employment Conditions

UNSW negotiates salary rates through its Enterprise Bargaining process with unions and staff representatives, and rates are documented in the UNSW Academic Staff Enterprise Agreement 2023 and the UNSW Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement 2023 as well as on the HR website.

For more information about employment conditions including pay rates, please refer to UNSW Enterprise Agreements.

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UNSW Ageing Futures Institute

Population ageing is one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The UNSW Ageing Futures Institute will conduct research and translate it into policy and practical outcomes, to enable optimal ageing for individuals and society.

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