Before we get to the challenges for young Australians it’s worth swinging the spotlight onto what FYA holds as the most important avenue for putting this to rights – education. Here are two paragraphs (in reverse order) from page 1 of the report:<\/p>\n

Australia’s current youth population is the engine that will drive future prosperity and they are hungry for the chance to create a better world. But their capacity to contribute to Australia’s economic development is dependent upon them receiving high quality education that focuses on developing the skills that will be needed to thrive in the future job market.<\/p>\n

While today’s young people are doing well in some areas, they face several escalating challenges. High youth underemployment, an education system that is struggling to adapt to changing needs and rising housing costs remain among the mounting challenges that present a growing threat to an otherwise exciting future.<\/p>\n

Yes, education can make the difference. But only if school and postsecondary education systems adapt more quickly, making better links between the needs of young people and emerging social and economic realities.<\/p>\n