The average aged care worker is 50 years old, and soon under 35s will make up over 40% of our general working population. Clearly caring workplaces face significant recruitment and retention challenge of young workers. We understand that more needs to be done to inspire & involve our young professionals in this caring sector. It is vital that we work together to build a workforce to support our population into the future under a unified, clear purpose to inspire and empower our young caring professionals to lead with us. Right now, young people are not engaging in the caring industry. Many young people who work in the sector love it, but feel isolated in a world that questions their choice of work, and one that they can share with few people of their own age. These workers start to have doubts about themselves and their career path. This is where the Acorn Network comes in. The Acorn Network creates a supportive environment helping young professionals reach their potential. Providing industry information, connections with other young professionals, and strategies to excel in their workplace. We want them to be in a job they love, and one that loves them back. Samantha has grown the Acorn Network from a small LinkedIn group in 2013, to guest blogging for the Aged Care Channel (Australia, NZ, and UK). She speaks at conferences on intergenerational workplace challenges, and building capacity of young workers. Samantha sits on the Australian Association of Gerontology (WA) committee, a member of the Future Health Leaders Council, has a diploma in business, and a postgraduate Masters in Occupational Therapy. Samantha believes together we can create a world where young people can aspire to a career in the aged care and community sectors. Join us and let’s begin turning the tide on the perception that the sector is no place for the young.