This discussion paper emerged from concerns about the decline in the participation of young people in higher education. The paper aimed to stimulate an informed and continuing discussion of youth education and employment policies. Although a number of issues are raised, no recommendations were made at this time. The paper begins by examining trends in participation in schools, TAFE, universities and colleges of advanced education (CAEs). Changes in upper secondary education have an impact on TAFE and higher education and these are examined together with data on school attainment and... [+] Show more
This discussion paper emerged from concerns about the decline in the participation of young people in higher education. The paper aimed to stimulate an informed and continuing discussion of youth education and employment policies. Although a number of issues are raised, no recommendations were made at this time. The paper begins by examining trends in participation in schools, TAFE, universities and colleges of advanced education (CAEs). Changes in upper secondary education have an impact on TAFE and higher education and these are examined together with data on school attainment and transition to further study. The paper then reviews the labour market for young people, including changes in the availability of jobs and the demand for them by young people, the differences between full- and part-time work, and data on how particular tertiary qualifications affect income expectations. The link between learning and earning is examined in terms of the opportunities accessible to different kinds of school leavers. The paper investigates the factors influencing the decisions made by young people, discussing the range of interrelated factors that have led to the decline in participation in higher education and the variation in their impact on young people. The final section of the paper highlights the issues to be addressed in the development of policies related to education and employment for young people.
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