In early 2007, the Youth Action and Policy Association (YANQ's counterpart in NSW) conducted a survey looking at young people and skills, including the issue of skills and training in the welfare system. Responding to the current skills shortage in Australia and given that young people will play a major role in possible solutions, the survey addressed young people's views and opinions on initiatives and concepts related to skills and training.

Overwhelmingly, young people wanted to be part of the solution and showed strong support for various up-skilling initiatives. Initiatives such asschool based apprenticeships, the removal of TAFE fees in certain areas, and more competitive apprenticeship schemes were all supported.Similarly, unemployed young people showed a clear preference for access to skills and training to support them into the workforce.

Download the report, Skilling young Australians: Young people's views on improving skills, training and welfare, from: http://www.yapa.org.au/yapa/policy/skilling.pdf.