This latest paper from Skillsroad suggests that the current challenges young people are facing may start “building a better and more resilient future.”
Why might they be suggesting that it could be an opportunity not a threat? Around 5,500 15 to 24 year-olds took part in the survey.
There’s good stuff and bad news stuff!
Skillsroad’s 2020 COVID-19 Youth Survey in May/June 2020 found that Australia’s youth employment has been hard hit by the pandemic, “with 42.3% of working respondents became unemployed or stood down because of COVID-19.” Mental health issues are also their biggest concern. They are ‘down but not out’, and so providing well-being and mental health support will be important, Skillsroad conclude. The paper provides links to stuff that parents, educators and employers can be doing to help.
But, “55% of youth are open to changing their plans if it means optimising career stability and future financial security” and “Youth who [have] reached out to others during the pandemic (volunteer work, helping neighbours etc.) are more likely to answer “yes” to the statement “the future looks bright to me.” So, as Skillsroad suggest, doing good probably does them good! And, again, the paper makes suggestions about what employers and educators could do and also provides access to some tools and resources to help.