Youth unemployment has never been a bigger issue. While some young Australians find it easy to find work, others do it tough, and many struggle to find any work at all. The current full-time unemployment rate (that is, people looking for full-time work) for people aged 15 to 19 years old is at a 15 year high at 27.3%, (June 2013 ABS Labour Force Data). Youth unemployment is 4 times the national average. This issue is even more pressing as our demographics change, with more and more retirees and less people of working age.

In August, ACYS conducted a webinar on the issue, bringing together experts, those at the ‘coalface’ and young people to provide insight into how to best support young people and provide opportunities to secure their futures. You can download the webinar here and find further information from ACYS here http://www.acys.info/facts/webinars.

AYAC's previous work on this issue includes the report ‘Beyond Learn or Earn’, which gave young people themselves the chance to speak about their own experiences of school and work and government policy, in their own words. AYAC also brought together a range of experts on the issues of employment and education at AYAC 2013 National Youth Affairs Conference, in partnership with OurSay. Keep on eye out for those videos, which we hope to upload soon!

Source: AYAC enews 30/08/2013

SDA are campaigning to get rid of junior rates for 18, 19 and 20 year olds. If you think 18 year old adults deserve adult wages then please follow this link for more information and spread the word. (Source: AYAC enews 28/2/13)

The Eagleby Learning College has a new round of vacancies for Term 2 - commencing 15th April 2013. These courses include:    

• Year 10 program (6 months);
• Year 11 & 12 program (12 months);
• Literacy & Numeracy program;
• Apply First Aid Certificate (3 x 3 Hours classes – 5:30pm to 8:30pm)

The College will NOT be offering Certificate I in Construction or Certificate I in Engineering for Term 2. Download the application forms below:

The Centre for Managed Strategies, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, is accepting registrations from Vocational Education and Training (VET) Practitioners and Workplace Trainers from VET and the Community Services Sector who wish to complete this accredited professional development opportunity.

The objectives of the program are to support VET and Workplace Trainers in their delivery of Behaviour Support strategies. Participants who complete the workshop assessment successfully are eligible for the CHC08 Disability work skill set - behavior support award.

The program is relevant to VET Practitioners and Workplace Trainers.

Please refer to the attachment for further information and the registration form. If you have any further queries please contact Lyn Hills lyn.hills@tafe.qld.edu.au or if you would like to register, please complete the form (click on ‘submit form’) or return directly to Julie Mackay julie.mackay@tafe.qld.edu.au by 28th March.

By Lucas Walsh, Senior Research Fellow at the Foundation for Young Australians.

Getting a job is a major concern for young Australians. Last year’s National Survey of Young Australians showed a large rise in the proportion of young people valuing getting a job, from 16% in 2010 to 22.7% in 2011. The recently launched 2012 Youth Survey, which focused on young people aged 15 to 19, suggests that some need to find work to help pay for household bills, school books and other necessities.

For many young people, getting a full-time job or even enough part-time work is a challenge. Youth underemployment is in part linked to long-term changes to the labour force, as well as more recent instability in the wake of the GFC.

Read more....

Source: The Conversation digest 26/2/13

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has just released Cultural dimensions of Indigenous participation in vocational education and training: new perspectives.

Based on new evidence, this study discusses the links between cultural identity and current participation in education, and the benefits Indigenous Australians derive from education and training.

Copies of Cultural dimensions of Indigenous participation in vocational education and training: new perspectives are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2573.html; please note you will have to log in to the NCVER website to access the report in full.

Registration is free, quick and enables you to subscribe to email alerts and NCVER newsletters – www.ncver.edu.au/subscribe.html

Here is the list of courses – make sure you are up to date on what’s happening. 

Courses which are FREE for ALL Jobseekers:

Construction – Trade Start Program with sooo many extras!
Certificate I in Construction
Date: Feb – TBA (8 weeks)
Days: Mon – Thurs and Fridays for Work Placement
Location: 47 Nundah St, Nundah
Funding: FREE for ALL Jobseekers – funded by Construction Skills Queensland.

Courses which are FREE for Jobseekers with a disability (see cost if not eligible for free course):

Business is Back!!!
We did not run a business course towards the end of last year, but it is back for 2013!!
Date: 18/2 – 10/4
Days: Mon – Wed
Location: 47 Nundah St, Nundah
Cost/Funding: $650 / FREE for jobseekers with a disability

Automotive – Rolling Starts!
Certificate II in Automotive Vehicle Servicing
START NOW
Days: Mon – Fri
Location: 47 Nundah St, Nundah – Have you seen our awesome workshop??
Cost/Funding: $950 / FREE for Jobseekers with a  disability.

Courses which are full cost only:

Aged Care Workshop – New Course!  
Date: 29/1 – 11/2
Days: Mon – Fri
Location: 47 Nundah St, Nundah
Cost: $1,100


For any enquiries or enrolments please contact us on 3260 6411

All courses free for jobseekers with a disability are funded by the Department of Employment, Training and Education.