Supporting transitions to employment for young jobseekers

This report provides background research to support the development of a training and employment intervention for young unemployed Victorians. It draws upon literature and information from a range of sources to provide context for youth unemployment; an overview of present and future employment opportunities at the national and local levels; and evidence regarding the effectiveness of programs which seek to support young people's transitions from school to work.

The report commences by outlining the broad challenges faced by young jobseekers, and by those seeking to mitigate youth unemployment. Section two presents an overview of the changing nature of the labour market, and the expectations of employers. Section three draws lessons from research about the provision of vocational training to young people, identifying 'what works' in preparing young people to gain employment through the use of formal vocational training. Section four focuses on factors that are most likely to enable or inhibit a young person's transition into sustainable employment. Of particular importance here are effective work experience programs and how to engage employers. It concludes with some lessons from the experiences of apprentices and trainees about how to improve retention of young people in employment. Each section presents information from a range of settings - international, national and local (specifically the south eastern region of Melbourne). The report notes that understanding this range of contexts is essential to addressing the opportunities and challenges in attempting to support young people into work.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less