Youth ‘aren’t thriving’

Research released by Skillsroad, Australia’s leading youth careers platform, has found youth aren’t thriving in life; they’re just doing OK.

The Skillsroad 2017 Youth Census attracted 13,200 responses from people aged 15-24. Results highlighted housing affordability, availability of jobs, being treated unfairly and mental health as top concerns.

At the same time, young people are prioritising money over career paths they’re passionate about, and which play to their strengths.

“There needs to be more emphasis on encouraging our young people to pursue careers which match their intrinsic goals, identifying their strengths and interests and aligning career decisions to give them the best chance to thrive and improve wellbeing levels,” Apprenticeship Support Australia managing director Darren Cock said.

“Our survey has shown parents have overwhelmingly been crowned today’s careers advisers by their children, with students two times more likely to turn to their parents over their school careers advisers. Parents therefore need to be well versed in where to turn to for information that presents all of the options available to their child after school.”

To download the full Skillsroad 2017 Youth Census, visit Skillsroad.com.au.