Reframe. Refresh. Fresh Start. TDA 2007 Reframing the focus on youth John Spierings DUSSELDORP SKILLS FORUM September 2007

Who is missing out?  306,000 young Australians unemployed, underemployed or wanting to work  One in five young adults without Year 12 or Certificate III  Early school leavers: 45-50,000 each year  Young Australians with low SES backgrounds: 59/79 percent school completion rate  Indigenous young Australians: 40 percent school completion rate  Rural & remote young Australians: 60/70 percent school completion rate

Why do apprentices drop out?  60 percent trade apprenticeship completion rate  47 percent traineeship completion rate  Relatively low pay  Attractions of a hot labour market  Quality of training experience  Lack of supervision & mentoring  Bullying  Recruitment, communication, support, taking risks, support, motivation, individual responsibility

New models  Contrast between ‘the Melbourne model’ & ‘competency training’  Vocational education as an economic & social leader rather than an industry client  New employment landscape demands sharper intersection of disciplines (eg. sustainability) & learning (eg. associate professionals)  Rethink traineeships  Crucial role for intermediaries  Re-engage retiring baby boomers

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