Youth unemployment has fallen to levels not seen since 2008, with newly released ABS figures showing the youth unemployment rate declined this month from 10.9 per cent in November 2021 to 9.4 per cent in December 2021.
Key youth labour market indicators are also up across the board and new opportunities for young people are helping drive Australia's national recovery.
In December 2021:
- Youth employment increased by 37,800 to 1,942,100, accounting for approximately 58 per cent of the total increase in employment over the month
- The youth participation rate also increased strongly, by 0.4 percentage points, to 70.5 per cent, the highest rate recorded since September 2008
- The youth underemployment rate fell by 1.4 percentage points, to 14.3 per cent, well below the 19.2 per cent recorded in March 2020
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, the Hon Luke Howarth MP, said the positive December figures were the result of the hard work of Australia's young people, who would continue to be supported by record Australian Government investment in education, jobs and training.
"This is encouraging for all school leavers and uni graduates looking to start their careers in a new year," Assistant Minister Howarth said.
"After confronting isolation and a global pandemic, young people are kickstarting their careers and re-engaging with the workforce.
"Our plan for 2022 is to push forward with measures targeted at giving young people the skills and opportunities they need to make the most of a strong labour market, as part of our Youth Policy Framework."
The Youth Policy Framework maps out the Australian Government's focus on the wellbeing of young people now and into the future, benefitting from investments such as $7.1 billion in vocational education and training and $20 billion in higher education this financial year alone.
Making help available to young people also includes measures like the $1.2 billion over four years for the Transition to Work program, which helps disadvantaged young people develop practical skills to find local job opportunities, connect with local community services and education and training.
