Job-searching and careers: young Torres Strait Islanders, 1999

Arthur, W. S.

Job-searching and careers: young Torres Strait Islanders, 1999

In 1998, the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) and the Department of Family and Community Services, Indigenous Policy Unit (IPU) undertook research into how the aspirations of young Indigenous people in remote regions match the Commonwealth government’s income support programs for the unemployed. The aim was to assess the relevance of two particular programs, Newstart and Youth Allowance, and propose how they might be made more relevant. The project aimed to be longitudinal, covering the five years between 1999 and 2003, and analysed data from surveys of a sample of Indige ... Show more

In 1998, the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) and the Department of Family and Community Services, Indigenous Policy Unit (IPU) undertook research into how the aspirations of young Indigenous people in remote regions match the Commonwealth government’s income support programs for the unemployed. The aim was to assess the relevance of two particular programs, Newstart and Youth Allowance, and propose how they might be made more relevant. The project aimed to be longitudinal, covering the five years between 1999 and 2003, and analysed data from surveys of a sample of Indigenous males and females aged between 15 and 24 in two remote locations of Australia, the Kimberley and Torres Strait. Three interrelated discussion papers resulted from an initial survey in Torres Strait. The papers (indexed at TD/TNC 75.335, TD/TNC 75.337 and TD/TNC 75.344) examine job searching, career aspirations, orientation to work, and education and training.

This paper examines the strategies that young people in Torres Strait adopt to further their careers. The survey revealed that they are likely to use informal strategies when searching for jobs or training. These strategies include approaching employers and trainers directly or using the contacts of family or friends. They are less likely to use the formal job-search facilities of Centrelink and Job Network. Payments such as Newstart appear to lack the flexibility to allow people to move on and off payments quickly to take up occasional job opportunities. Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) appear to be more flexible. The results suggest that people do not always know what and where formal labour market services are available. It is proposed that in order to improve young people’s access to the labour market and career options through Centrelink and Job Network, these agencies should do more to advertise their services. The secondary school system is proposed as a possible means of achieving this. Show less