A Shorten Labor Government will invest $450,000 into a three-year project to boost employment outcomes for young people across the Newcastle-Hunter region.    

This election will be a choice between Labor, which will give students the education and opportunity they deserve, or more cuts and chaos under the Liberals.  

Ms Claydon said that current employment outcomes for young people were concerning.  

“A recent study found it can take two-and-a-half years for young people to gain full-time work after they finish their studies[1]. More needs to be done to help young people transition into employment,” Ms Claydon said.     

“In its first year this project will provide up to 100 young people from across the Newcastle-Hunter region with intensive personalised support.”    

Ms Claydon said face-to-face participation would be available in both Newcastle and the Central Coast, with online opportunities for those who find it hard to travel.    

“The university will work with a range of partners including TAFE, local schools and community groups to identify prospective participants who have been out of work for six months or more.    

“Participants will benefit from individual needs-assessments undertaken by career experts and support to boost their skillset and develop the personal qualities that employers are looking for. They will also get help to create effective resumes, and help preparing for interviews.”   

Ms Claydon said the program would apply a new methodology based on research undertaken by the Foundation for Young Australians into ‘soft skills’ and ‘enterprise skills’.    

“The program will draw on the university’s expertise in delivering and evaluating equity and enabling programs that build resilience and connections for people experiencing disadvantage. It is designed to build on and complement existing job network services.”   

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the project would reduce the gap between completing study at school, TAFE or university and moving into a full-time job.    

“This project will be a real collaboration across schools, TAFE, community groups and the university to help young people gain the confidence and additional skills they need to move into the workforce,” Professor Zelinsky said.   

“An outstanding education is just one ingredient to getting a job – this project will help develop the complementary skills people need when they move into the world of paid work.”    

A Shorten Labor Government will uncap university places and invest $3.2 billion into TAFE, university and skills training.

[1] Foundation for Young Australians, ‘New Work Reality Report’ 2018