In 2025 Public Skills Australia conducted research into the workforce challenges facing the Fire and Emergency Services industry-sector.

This research identified challenges to retain youth volunteers in the Fire and Emergency Services industry-sector. Findings also revealed that volunteers aged under 30 years make up the lowest proportion of volunteers in fire and emergency services.

In response, a specific project focused on “Understanding the Youth Volunteer” was set up to better understand the specific drivers for volunteer youth attraction, recruitment and retention in Fire and Emergency Services, focused on volunteers aged under 30.

The project will draw on insights from survey data and facilitated workshops with youth volunteers, from across sectors such as surf lifesaving and fire and emergency services.

Key project outcomes in mid-2026 will include an insights report, to support organisations to retain and engage with their youth volunteers.