New research reveals young Australia is not thriving

Commissioned by Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) the Skillsroad 2017 Youth Census surveyed 13,227 young Australians between the ages of 15-24 to identify the concerns and issues affecting them when it comes to transition from school to work, and to address the current concerns of employers who are struggling to attract and retain young staff, despite soaring youth unemployment.

The census links average levels of wellbeing to high job turnover, the national skills shortage, increasing university and vocational dropout rates, and a myriad of employment issues.

The fact that young people are ranking pay as the most important consideration when applying for a job shows that they are likely to prioritise money over career paths that they are genuinely passionate about, increases the chances of ending up in a career they don't enjoy.

Pursuing careers that are intrinsically important to young people is far more likely to result in engaged staff who enjoy their work, have fewer sick days, benefit from higher levels of wellbeing and are therefore more likely to stay longer, says Darren Cocks, ASA Managing Director.

The census confirmed that parents are highly influential in shaping the careers of their children as the most likely person their sons and daughters turn to for career advice.

52.3 per cent of children still at school are planning to attend university, despite fears of financial hardship for some and a lack of jobs in some sectors after graduation. Only 15.8 per cent are considering VET pathways including apprenticeships and traineeships despite VET graduates being more likely to be in employment post completion than university graduates.