Who are the persistently NEET young people?

This report examines the group of young people aged 15-24 that are not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET). In particular, it examines those who are NEET for six or more months consecutively, known here as persistently NEET. Using data from the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Youth (LSAY), the report investigates the incidence of persistently NEET in this data, the socio-demographic characteristics associated with being persistently NEET, the activities of the group, and the outcomes at age 20-24 of those who have a persistently NEET period at ages 15-19. The analysis found that non-completion of Year 12, having children and coming from a lower socio-economic background are associated with being persistently NEET. It also found that having a persistently NEET period at ages 15-19 is associated with a greater likelihood of being persistently NEET at ages 20-24, and a lower likelihood of undertaking or completing a certificate III or higher level qualification by age 24. The Global Financial Crisis also appears to have had an impact on this group of young people.

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