In July 2024, World YMCA and Y Australia released two reports that address the challenges young people face in the job market.

Titled the  "Crisis of Opportunity: Young People Navigating the New Work Order" and ‘Future Ready: Reimagining Meaningful Work for Young People”  the reports highlight the significant barriers created by poor social and economic conditions, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, climate change, conflict, and the rising cost of living.

Barriers that prevent young people from accessing “Meaningful Work” -

- 40% say they do not have the right skills, qualifications or experiences

- 30% say they have poor economic or social conditions

- 30% say they do not have the right support.

Key insights include the need for systemic changes in how young people are supported to find meaningful work - which is why The King’s Trust Australia created Achieve, an inquiry-based framework that engages young people in learning through careers education and enterprise skills development.

The King’s Trust Australia supports young people with programmes and resources that focus on education, employment and enterprise. An example is the suite of ‘Get Into’ programmes we offer.  Get Into offers short courses in specific industries, like maritime and construction, to help young people develop new skills, try their hand at industry-specific work and increase their chances of employability.  

"Our role at The King’s Trust Australia is to ensure that every young person has the tools to not just participate in the world of work but to thrive in it. Connecting young people with opportunities and support to engage in meaningful work helps build a resilient, innovative workforce that will drive progress and change for generations to come,” said Dean Delia, Director for Young People.

The importance of reports, like the ones published by World YMCA and Y Australia, underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address youth unemployment and create a world where every young person can achieve their potential. Creating education, employment and enterprise pathways are foundational steps in empowering young people, the future of our world.

👉 Find out more about the important work that The King’s Trust Australia is doing to support young people here

👉 Read The King's Trust reports here