Sustained employment is necessary for young people to feel a sense of belonging, gain independence and develop financial security. But did you know that one in three young people are currently unemployed with half of Australia’s 25-year-olds unable to secure a full time position(1)? This is despite being one of the most educated generations with tertiary qualifications.
It is staggering to think that 16 per cent of the world’s population are young people, with 15–24 year old’s three times more likely to be unemployed than adults(2). World Youth Skills Day is being celebrated on Monday 15 July 2019, to put the spotlight on education and qualifications that lead to employment opportunities whilst nurturing and challenging young minds.
At Wesley Mission, our Wesley Vocational Institute is a Registered Training Organisation(3) that aims to deliver high-quality vocational education training programs focused on building skills, careers, and creating opportunities for young people.
In a recent conversation with a past WVI student Kellie Armitt, she shared her point of view on what she gained as part of her CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).
“For about a year I was aimlessly looking for a job but without qualifications…I also wanted a job with purpose and meaning… the staff were amazing and welcoming… I didn’t feel scared to ask questions”.
Kellie has now been able to secure a job after her course and she now feels capable and supported while offering her new employer a fresh outlook on the job at hand.
Similarly, Jerome Sutherland, who also completed a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at Wesley Vocational Institute said that
“the staff truly want to see you succeed and are always there to help”
which shows the influence of an encouraging teacher or community member in helping a young person enter the competitive workforce.
World Youth Skills Day 2019 provides an opportunity for employers, recruiters or people established in the workforce to rethink why they would not consider young people more as potential employees. Together through training, let’s aim to open more roles and opportunities to youth who are eager to learn with a willing attitude to work hard.
(1)Davidson,H, 2017, The Guardian
(2)‘World Youth Skills Day’, 2019, United Nations
(3)Wesley Vocational Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) through the national training authority, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Our RTO code is 90091.