Young people in Western Sydney’s voices on work

Young people from Western Sydney share what employers can do to remove barriers and be more inclusive.

Summary

Since 2008 young people continue to experience high rates of unemployment and underemployment, particularly those with low educational attainment (Productivity Commission, 2020). Young people have also been significantly impacted by the effects of Covid-19 and the pandemic – isolation, job loss, interruptions to study/training, and associated psychological distress (Australian Institute for Health and Welfare, 2021). This is a report based on a mixed-methods study of twenty-two young people’s (age 17-25) experiences of [un]employment in Western Sydney. It aims to give voice to young workers and inform actions for employers to improve young people’s access to and experience of work.

Findings highlight the unique challenges faced by young people as they make the transition from school to work. These include a lack of direction and support once they leave school, poor treatment by employers who see them as a cheap and expendable source of labour, along with workplace practices that do not account for their aspirations, needs and responsibilities.

The report includes insights and recommendations on measures young people told us they want taken by employers so they can access and keep better quality jobs. Importantly, young workers emphasise that they want to work – they want the opportunity to grow up and build happy and fulfilling lives.