Industry and Young People
Engaging young people in the workforce and society is essential not only for their personal economic stability and well-being but also for broader economic growth and social cohesion. In Australia, youth unemployment is often twice the national average, and young people are particularly vulnerable during economic crises. Learn more here: OECD Youth Employment.
Early and ongoing industry engagement during schooling plays a key role in improving youth employment outcomes. Research indicates that students who interact with four or more employers during their education are less likely to become NEET (not in education, employment, or training). Discover more here: Education and Employers Research.
Why Engaging Young People Matters for Industry
Engaging with young people is crucial for employers and industry for several reasons:
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Early engagement helps young people understand career opportunities and develop relevant skills.
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A skilled workforce pipeline ensures industries can replace retiring employees and address skills shortages.
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Apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships allow businesses to train young people for specific industry needs.
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Young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and adaptability, particularly in digital and emerging technologies, helping businesses remain competitive.
How We Can Help Industry and Employers
Strengthening Education and Industry Partnerships
We facilitate collaboration between WA’s education sector and businesses, creating connections between employers, young people, and prospective job seekers. Our network within the high school sector allows us to:
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Provide links and referrals for industry to promote career opportunities.
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Advise businesses on maximizing exposure through school-based initiatives.
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Support WA industry participation in the WA Year 9 Career Taster Program (CTP), where students experience industries through presentations and site visits.
Past industry engagement projects include:
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Facilitating school tours of furnishing and light manufacturing employers.
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Promoting industry tours for teachers and career practitioners.
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Organizing opportunities for Industry Associations to present at job expos, job fairs, and school career events.
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Presenting at career development conferences and seminars for educators and career practitioners.
Expanding and improving career pathways
As part of our role in developing qualifications, apprenticeships, and traineeships, we review existing pathways to ensure they meet industry needs. Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools plays a vital role in exposing students to industry by offering practical skills and industry-recognized qualifications. We assess:
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The uptake of VET in Schools for particular industries.
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Whether the training is leading to apprenticeships, traineeships, and further employment pathways.
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Input into the WA Government’s VET Qualifications Register for Secondary Students, ensuring qualifications align with industry standards.
Past projects include:
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Transitioning an arboriculture traineeship into an apprenticeship to gain trade recognition.
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Promoting horticulture industry traineeships.
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Collaborating with RTOs to facilitate the provision of pre-apprenticeships in furnishings, horticulture, and turf growing.
How we can help educators and career practitioners
Providing Up-to-Date Industry and Job Market Information
Our extensive network includes over 70 Industry Associations and 400 employers, as well as Eight Skills Network groups that discuss labour and skill shortages in WA. We provide:
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Comprehensive insights into job roles, employment trends, and labour market conditions.
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Industry snapshots and profiles to support career education (coming soon).
Strengthening Industry-School Partnerships
We support collaboration between WA’s education, career sectors, and businesses, creating pathways for young people to connect with industry. Our initiatives include:
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Informing career coordinators about industry developments and opportunities.
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Providing a direct link between schools and employers to develop career pathways aligned with local job opportunities.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you are an industry association, employer, school, career service provider, or educator, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on new initiatives. Let’s work together to create meaningful industry connections for young people. For assistance or inquiries, contact us at 08 9361 2800 or admin@fftitc.com.au.