Youth unemployment in Australia is once again climbing, and it’s sounding alarm bells across the economy.
According to recent figures, the national youth unemployment rate has risen above 10%, nearly double the general unemployment rate. For some regional and disadvantaged communities, the number is even higher. It’s a growing concern that demands serious attention — not just from policymakers, but from businesses, educators, and recruiters alike.
Why Should We Care?
High youth unemployment isn’t just a statistic. It signals:
- Lost potential at a national level
- Widening inequality, particularly among Indigenous Australians, migrants, and those in rural areas
- Long-term scarring — with unemployment early in life often leading to lower lifetime earnings, skill atrophy, and mental health challenges
But perhaps most concerning is the growing disconnect between what young people are learning and what the job market actually demands. This is a really huge challenge as the rapid development of technology is creating new jobs and removing others.
We Need More Than Jobs – We Need Pathways
Throwing more entry-level jobs at the issue won’t fix it. Young Australians need:
- Work-integrated learning opportunities (internships, apprenticeships, cadetships)
- Real mentorship and access to networks
- Digital and soft skill development embedded into education and training
- Support to transition between education and employment, especially for those not headed to university
Employers have a role here too. Many say they “can’t find talent,” while overlooking younger applicants who could thrive with the right guidance. It’s time to challenge our assumptions about experience and take a longer-term view of talent pipelines.