Survey looks at youth employment

A NEW project has been designed to help young people find meaningful employment and it includes a survey aimed at analysing the needs of students looking for work and local industries looking to fill gaps in their workforce.

Launched last week, the survey was developed by Bendigo Tech School, Bendigo TAFE Skills and Jobs Centre, and the Department of Education and Training.

“Many students entering the workforce are underinformed regarding the variety of local career pathways that are available to them, while our local industries are unable to fill vacancies,” said Graeme Wiggins, director of Bendigo Tech School.

“As an educational institution, it is our job to assist in the development of creative training and educational opportunities.”

According to Mr Wiggins, 50 per cent of young people can’t find steady work, with 60,000 north-western Victorian students currently looking for pathways into careers.

“This survey will allow us to assess the needs of students, their families, and industry more easily as we work with our partners to develop opportunities for young people,” he said.

VCAL student Marcus Anderson said it’s pleasing to see industry leaders helping students with their education.

“It’s great because it gives you more options, it allows you to branch out and find that help,” she said.

“I know there’s probably many kids out there wanting that, and they don’t have it. This kind of program is definitely helpful for sure.”

Mr Wiggins said they’re already receiving feedback on the survey.

“There’s been about 175 respondents far, and some really interesting observations,” he said.

“What most young people are saying is they simply lack the confidence to undertake the education and to seek the opportunities they want.”

The survey is available at bit.ly/YourVoiceVictoria.