Providing Education and Training for At Risk and Unemployed Young People - Australia

Source: Centre for Human Resource Development and Training

Associate Professor Kevin Ward, Dr David Beckett, Dr Graeme Harper and Ms Pam St Leger

This research, commissioned by the Victorian Department of Education and funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), sought to gather information about young people expected to remain in school, or return to education and training as a consequence of changes to the Youth Allowance.

The project investigated more than 80 schools, TAFE and community based programs for ‘at risk’ youth in order to identify ways that have been used by education and training providers to address the needs of this group of young people.  A review and analysis of local, national and international published research focussing on the design and conduct of effective education and/or training for this group was undertaken to establish benchmarks for the selection of exemplar programs.  Methodology included an initial interview with a program leader and a follow up on-site or telephone interview with young people and leaders associated with selected programs.  The final report drew conclusions regarding the effectiveness of these approaches; the appropriateness of the content, delivery and contextual components to the needs and lifestyles of this group of young people, and identified the supporting structures required to successfully engage and sustain the involvement of this group.

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