Learning and Earning |
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The most recent data from ABS is that around 336,000 15 to 19 year olds were in full-time education in NSW. The ABS data suggests that over 50 per cent or 192,000 15 to 19 year olds have a job. A comprehensive survey of over 5,000 young people in 2005, undertaken by the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training for the Office of Industrial Relations and WorkCover NSW, found that 71.7 per cent of those surveyed had a paid job and 83.7 per cent of those who worked, combined work with study. Most of those who worked usually did so for less than 15 hours per week, with regular days and/or hours. About one third worked in the hospitality sector, while another third worked in the retail sector. Young Aboriginal people do not stay as in school as the general population and are less likely to have a paid job. What we know What we knowWe know that positive learning experiences at school and TAFE and good results are linked to good health and wellbeing among young people. If young people lack literacy and numeracy skills, they are more likely to leave school early and feel less confident about their prospects. The education and training system plays a vital role in preparing young people for work and active involvement in the community. The NSW Government places special emphasis on:
The NSW Government also recognises that it is important for young people to understand their rights at work. With less workplace experience, young people are at greater risk of being exploited and often have less bargaining power when negotiating with management. We aim to make sure young people have the information they need about working conditions, rates of pay and other work-related matters. What we are doingThe NSW Government manages the education and training system and provides support to young workers entering the workforce. Education and Training With an operating budget of more than $10 billion, the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) provides high quality education and training services through a state wide network of public schools and TAFE colleges. Around 70 per cent of school students attend NSW Government schools. The Department operates schools at more than 2,200 locations across the State. Around 750,000 students attend the Department’s pre-schools, primary schools, central schools, high schools, colleges and specialist schools. Our schools provide children and young people with the foundations for lifelong learning so that they become literate, numerate, well-educated citizens with the skills and confidence to make a positive contribution to society. TAFE NSW is the largest training organisation in the southern hemisphere. There are over 500,000 enrolments in over 130 TAFE campuses across NSW delivering over 1200 courses. In 2005, 134,463 young people aged 15 - 19 years were enrolled in TAFE NSW - representing more than a quarter of the total enrolements in TAFE NSW. TAFE NSW works closely with employers to give students, many of whom are young people, the skills that will make them productive and competitive in the modern workplace. Career planning and individual support for young students is provided by the TAFE NSW counselling service. The Government recognises the importance of education in the State Plan. Providing an education and training system is critical in preparing young people for work and active involvement in the community. The State Plan and Youth Action Plan both emphasise actions to support the successful transition from school to work and further study.
In partnership with the Far Western Regional Development Board, the Department of State and Regional Development is running the YCREATE program to encourage young people in Broken Hill to start a career in business. To help young people understand their rights and entitlements at work, the Department of Commerce’s NSW Office of Industrial Relations offers a range of support to young people starting work for the first time or starting a new job. With a free advice line on 131 628 and a range of on-line tools available at www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au the Office of Industrial Relations provides young people with advice about their rights and conditions at work and help with important issues such as being underpaid. The Office’s industrial advisors can also help young workers compare the terms of other job contracts, such as Australian Workplace Agreements, against the award for their industry to help them make informed choices. Online tools such as the Compare What’s Fair tool on the industrial relations site can also help.
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