National Youth Commission Australia, Media Release, 19 April 2022
Careers education in Australia’s schools is grossly inadequate, according to a new report by the National Youth Commission Australia. The report cites young people’s negative experiences, such as not being provided with adequate classes or information on career options or pathways post-secondary school education.
“So, in total, over my schooling years, I had two careers sessions; one where I got given a copy of a resume and said ‘that’s how you do it’. And then the other was, ‘What do you want to do at university?’, to which I said, ‘I have no idea’. And they didn’t give me any options” (Young person, Bendigo Vic).
This report comes when students have just completed their first term in the classroom without disruption from state lockdowns since the 2019 school year in New South Wales and Victoria. Unfortunately, the pandemic has added further barriers to receiving a comprehensive careers education, participating in work experience programs, and attending career events.
The report proposes that careers education can be improved by ensuring it is a core part of the curriculum and the careers advisor role is viewed as critical within the school environment.
The report found that although there are some excellent careers education programs across Australia, such as The Smith Family’s Future Seekers Program and Passions & Pathways, they are the exception to the rule. Overall, careers education needs significant improvement to enable young people’s transition into the workforce. The Commission argues that state, territory and non-government education systems need to ensure that all secondary schools are adequately funded to implement a comprehensive education program.
The Commission identified four ways to improve careers education to enable secondary school students to choose a post-secondary pathway and gain a greater understanding of the workforce. State, territory and non-government education systems need to implement a comprehensive careers education program. The program should start at the commencement of secondary school in year seven. Schools should facilitate improvements to school-industry links and performance measures.
The Commission hopes this will lead to secure and satisfying employment opportunities for young people. It is part of a suite of strategies that combine to create a national strategy for young people – the Youth Futures Guarantee – and a stronger future for Australia.
Download the report here.
