Hon Kim Hames MB BS JP MLA — Youth to be consulted for workforce plan

Challenges and barriers to training and employment faced by young people in Western Australia are the subject of a new study by the State Government through the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Co-ordinated through the State Training Board Youth Unemployment Steering Committee, the survey aims to identify factors that affect the ability of young people to move smoothly from education and training into the workforce.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Kim Hames said feedback from the survey would be used to tailor the approach taken to issues faced by disadvantaged and unemployed youth.

“While the system works well for most young people – with 75 per cent successfully moving from school into further education, training or employment – there are some who face difficulties settling into the workforce,” Dr Hames said.

“There are many factors that can make the transition from school to work difficult, putting some school leavers at risk of becoming disengaged and marginalised.

“If young people have poor literacy and numeracy skills, are not aware of or don’t understand the training and career pathways open to them, or have personal issues that prevent them from progressing, it’s going to be more challenging to find meaningful work.

“We cannot address specific challenges and barriers until we have a better understanding of them and that’s what this survey hopes to achieve.”

The survey aims to seek the views of young people aged 15-24 from across the State on their education, training and employment experiences, including any barriers faced when exploring or entering the job market.

The survey will be open until February 27, 2015 and will be released electronically through social media, as well as on the State Training Board website and in hard copy to various youth groups across WA.