Youth employment
We are drawing attention to the crisis of youth unemployment in Australia.
In an economy shifting to a knowledge and service base and striving to be internationally competitive, employers place a huge premium on qualifications, skills and work experience.
It is not due to chance, or perceived attitudes of young people today, that we find over a quarter of a million 15 to 24 year-olds who are jobless.
We need to restore hope for our emerging generation. Australia needs a new approach to assist jobless young people to build their qualifications, skills and experience to obtain a job in the modern economy.
Our national campaign involves data analysis and spotlights research and policy around this critical issue to secure our nation’s future.
Youth Unemployment Monitor
A key part of our campaign is the Youth Unemployment Monitor
The Monitor is a useful source of information and policy analysis. But it’s not all facts and figures – we present the human stories of youth unemployment and the challenges young people face today.
Subscribe to the Youth Unemployment Monitor to receive each e-newsletter.
Latest Youth Unemployment Monitor: December 2020
Rising young lawyer Nyadol Nyuon reflects on her journey to enter the profession and the resources that she has drawn on along the way.
Learn more
In Australia, the COVID recession has compounded a decade of high youth unemployment that followed the GFC. The youth unemployment rate is now close to the highest level seen this century and underemployment is emerging as a major challenge.
Read the report (PDF, 133 KB)
Heidi, 22, was working in the hospitality industry, managing three restaurants, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Learn more about the support Heidi received, and why she's hopeful for the future.
Watch the videoYouth employment and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought sudden and severe disruption to the labour market. As with the Global Financial Crisis, young people are especially vulnerable. Together, we can amplify employment outcomes for young people and business in communities.