New results released by the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) Reform Council show a ‘baffling gap’ in the engagement of young Australians in work and study.

 

Two reports released by the Council show that there are areas under the education and skills agreements where Australia is continuing to post lacklustre results.

 

In releasing the two reports, the Reform Council’s Deputy Chairman, Professor Greg Craven, said the results highlight a concern of social and economic exclusion of young people.

 

“Studying, training or working once they finish school is vital for young people if they are going to participate in and make a valuable contribution to Australian society,” Professor Craven said.

 

“Apart from that, the skill level of our workforce will continue to suffer if governments across Australia do not work out how to better engage young people in vocational education and training.”

 

The education report showed that 76 per cent of people aged 18 – 25 were engaged in employment, education or training in 2008, this figure dropped to 72.5 per cent in 2011 – a drop that COAG attributes to the fall in full time employment.

 

The Council was particularly concerned over the increase in the percentage of young people not completing year 12 or equivalent during the same period, which is now sitting just above 84 per cent.

 

There was also no significant increase nationally in the proportion of young people who have, or are studying for, a non-school qualification despite unprecedented university enrolments.

 

In 2011, 72.5% of 20–24 year olds had, or were working towards, a non-school qualification, compared with 71.8% in 2008.

 

Professor Craven said the figures in the report are puzzling, “If young Australians are not earning or learning, that begs the question – what are they doing?”