Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs The challenge
Young Australians are navigating one of the toughest job markets in decades. Low-skilled, entry-level jobs are disappearing or evolving into roles that demand more advanced skills – especially digital literacy. It’s predicted more than 9 in 10 future jobs will require post-school qualifications.
For young people experiencing disadvantage, the barriers to meaningful employment are even greater. They are less likely to finish school or pursue tertiary education. Many also have more limited exposure to career networks and lack access to reliable internet or a computer.
In Australia, careers education is not a compulsory part of the curriculum. And while there are pockets of excellence, career support in schools is often ad hoc, underfunded and inadequate to keep pace with a rapidly changing, uncertain economy. This challenge is even greater in schools where student needs are higher, but resources are more limited.
Right now, far too many students growing up in disadvantage are missing out on vital opportunities, that could help them make the most of their full potential. The consequences are significant, with the impacts felt across families, communities, and the economy. Conservatively, the average lifetime social cost to governments and the community for each 24-year-old not in full-time work, education, or training is estimated at $1.1 million.
For young people experiencing disadvantage, the barriers to meaningful employment are even greater. They are less likely to finish school or pursue tertiary education. Many also have more limited exposure to career networks and lack access to reliable internet or a computer.
In Australia, careers education is not a compulsory part of the curriculum. And while there are pockets of excellence, career support in schools is often ad hoc, underfunded and inadequate to keep pace with a rapidly changing, uncertain economy. This challenge is even greater in schools where student needs are higher, but resources are more limited.
Right now, far too many students growing up in disadvantage are missing out on vital opportunities, that could help them make the most of their full potential. The consequences are significant, with the impacts felt across families, communities, and the economy. Conservatively, the average lifetime social cost to governments and the community for each 24-year-old not in full-time work, education, or training is estimated at $1.1 million.
It’s hard to imagine your future when you don’t have all the resources you need to build it.
59%
of students experiencing disadvantage had a dedicated career counsellor at their school, compared with 81% of more advantaged students.¹
9 in 10
9 in 10 around 92% of new jobs expected to be created over the decade to 2033 will require post-secondary school qualifications.³
Year 12
just under 70% of students from low socio-economic areas gained Year 12 certification, compared with almost 83% from higher socio-economic areas.²
I always had the vision that I would go to university, but there were a lot of unknowns. I didn’t know how I was
going to get there because of my family’s financial situation at the time. There were never any real
conversations about how university would be funded, or where I was heading.
The solution
Now, more than ever, Australia needs a sustained national effort to ensure all young people develop the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly uncertain job market. The answer isn’t just more careers advisors; what’s needed is a tailored, long-term approach that starts in primary school.
It means nurturing a child’s aspirations early, then connecting them with workplace experiences, mentors, and higher education throughout their schooling. Research shows that the more young people engage in career conversations and activities at school, the better their education and employment outcomes.
It means nurturing a child’s aspirations early, then connecting them with workplace experiences, mentors, and higher education throughout their schooling. Research shows that the more young people engage in career conversations and activities at school, the better their education and employment outcomes.
We are calling for
- The introduction of high-quality careers education in all schools, including a digital skills strategy, to equip young people for evolving tertiary education and job markets. This will require a rethink of how we approach school-based careers education and significant investment in scaling up effective programs.
- The creation of meaningful, long-term careers opportunities for students through collaboration between governments, businesses, educational institutions, and community sectors.
- Government initiatives that prioritise young people facing disadvantage in jobs and skills policies; strengthen career support and workforce exposure in schools, with greater access to Vocational Education and Training (VET); focus on the development of key employment-related skills in students, including digital literacy; and offer paid, structured workplace support to help young people move from post-school study to employment.
How we are helping
Growing Careers Project
Run by The Smith Family and funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Education, this project helps young people build the skills and experience they need to thrive post-school by connecting them with a range of career programs. Learn more.
Advocacy
The goal of educational equity drives everything we do. That’s why we advocate for young people facing poverty and disadvantage – to break down barriers and ensure they have the same opportunities to learn and succeed, whether they’re in our programs or not.
Our advocacy is apolitical and informed by research, evidence, and real-world experience.
Research & insights:
Young people’s insights on navigating post-school pathways
Supporting more students experiencing disadvantage to have positive post-school pathways and complete Year 12
Most young people experiencing disadvantage engaged in post-school work or study, but concerns remain for future careers
Initial post-school transitions among young people experiencing disadvantage
Read other recent reports
Policy submissions:
Review of Western Australian senior secondary pathways Expert Panel Report
Read more submissions
How you can help
Sponsor a child
Your sponsorship, together with another sponsor's support, provides a child with essential learning tools like books and a uniform – helping them to succeed at school.
Volunteer
Join a community of volunteers passionate about helping young Australians overcome educational inequality caused by poverty and disadvantage.
Join the conversation
Tune into our podcast and video series exploring work happening across Australia to help young people change their future through the power of education.
1OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment
2Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority 2022 data
3Jobs and Skills Australia: Towards a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap
2Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority 2022 data
3Jobs and Skills Australia: Towards a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap