What Will It Take? Creating Better, More Sustainable Jobs for Young People

This report, produced by Social Ventures Australia (SVA) and the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), with analysis by PwC Consulting, examines the challenges young people face in entering quality employment in Australia. It explores employer attitudes, systemic barriers, and solutions to rebuild career pathways for young Australians, especially those outside traditional university pathways.

Key Findings:

1. Barriers to youth employment:

• Decline in entry-level and middle-skill jobs.
• Rising employer expectations for credentials and experience.
• Reduced investment in training and mentoring.

2. Employer Perspectives:

• Employers struggle with costs of hiring and training young workers.
• A lack of streamlined systems and intermediary support hinders employer participation.
• Successful hiring models require more comprehensive, well-supported frameworks.

3. Proposed Solutions:

• Financial Levers: tailored wage subsidies and training incentives that align with employer needs.
• Collaborative pre-employment models: industry-driven academies or boot-camps providing job-specific skills.
• Integrated work and learning pathways: apprenticeships and other models combining education with real-world experience.
• Government procurement and contracting: embedding youth employment targets in large-scale projects.

Recommendations:
To address systemic challenges, the report calls for a coordinated effort between governments, employers, and educators to create robust career pathways. It highlights the need for policies that integrate skills development with employment opportunities and promote inclusive hiring practices.

Why It Matters:
With youth unemployment and underemployment exacerbated by economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic, this report offers actionable insights for addressing skill shortages, improving workforce development, and fostering long-term career opportunities for young Australians.