Providing Education and Training for At Risk ... - Victoria University

ForewordThe Commonwealth Government is seeking to encourage young people to remain ineducation or training until they have sufficient skills or qualifications to obtain longterm employment. Payments to young people aged 15 to 24 have been consolidatedas the Youth Allowance. Commonwealth policy requires, with some exemptions, under-18year olds who left school without completing Year 12, to engage in full-time education ortraining, or undertake a combination of activities such as part-time study and voluntary work.These arrangements were introduced on 1 January 1999. Since July 1998, young people whoare 18 – 24 have had mutual obligation requirements, some of which relate to education andtraining.To prepare information and advice about young people expected to remain in school or returnto education and training as the result of the introduction of the Youth Allowance, the Departmentof Education undertook a series of research and development projects entitled the SuccessfulLearning Projects. These projects were funded by the Australian National Training Authority.Reports from three of these projects were published in 1998. They have been keenly soughtafter, and are being republished to allow for wider distribution. A fourth report on mentoringis being published for the first time. The issues raised in the reports and their findings areimportant in developing policy and programs for young people affected by the Youth Allowance.Providing Education and Training for at Risk and Unemployed Young People is one of thereports from the Successful Learning Projects. It documents the variety of programs andresources already available - in schools, TAFE, and in the community - and analyses thecharacteristics of programs that work.I commend the professionalism and expertise of the researchers: Kevin Ward, Pam St Leger,David Beckett and Graeme Harper from the Department of Vocational Education and Trainingat the University of Melbourne, in the way they undertook this project. While their conclusionsare offered as advice, and are not necessarily the views of the Department, nevertheless thereport provides us with significant insights into the views and experiences of the young peoplewho require a range of opportunities for access and success. Responding to their needs is achallenge for us all.Howard KellyGeneral ManagerSchool Support Services DivisionDepartment of EducationJuly 19993