Preparing young people for the future of work: policy roundtable report

In 2016, the Mitchell Institute convened a roundtable of education practitioners, government leaders, policy specialists and researchers to examine the challenges associated with changes in young people's pathways into work. This report argues that education systems have not been designed to develop the capabilities required to be successful in technology-rich, globalised, competitive job markets. The first section of the report includes background data and analysis prepared by Mitchell Institute. It delves into some of the challenges facing young people as they make the transition from...  [+] Show more

In 2016, the Mitchell Institute convened a roundtable of education practitioners, government leaders, policy specialists and researchers to examine the challenges associated with changes in young people's pathways into work. This report argues that education systems have not been designed to develop the capabilities required to be successful in technology-rich, globalised, competitive job markets. The first section of the report includes background data and analysis prepared by Mitchell Institute. It delves into some of the challenges facing young people as they make the transition from education to employment. It focuses on the last decade, capturing the growth period just before the global financial crisis hit in 2007-08, and the period of economic downturn and slow recovery. It highlights some transformational shifts underway in the world of work and explores how education systems must adapt to enable young people to make the most of future opportunities. The second part of the report explores the two ideas discussed at the roundtable: (1) reforming senior secondary education (Years 10 to 12); and (2) expanding and applying the apprenticeships model in innovative ways. This section highlights directions for further research and policy reform.

Edited excerpts from publication.