1.3 Employment Youth Response: • Numerous young people wanted more opportunities to prepare for work which included knowing where to look for a job, applying for a job, presentation, resumes, interview techniques and work experience. • They wanted to see more job opportunities targeted at young people whether that be after school/ weekend work for those still at school; or casual and permanent employment positions • Wanted to see more support for young people seeking work including building confidence, assisting with finding work, diversity support (e.g. Aboriginal and/or Youth Employment Service) and to provide support in the workplace • Young people felt that youth targeted jobs could be displayed on a notice board in town or a specific section in the newspaper. • Some young people acknowledged that there were jobs available such as fast-food and check out jobs however these were looked down on by a lot of young people; maybe due to high expectations. Those that do work in these places stated that they were proud of their experience, enjoyed the work and had gained in numerous ways from this opportunity. • The online Youth Survey asked ‘How helpful would each of these be (listed below) if you were looking for a job? Young people responded to a list of potential methods by answering ‘Very Helpful, Helpful, Helps a Little or No Help’, each of these with a weighted score. Equal first was knowing where to find a job and learn more [job-related] skills (2.5); then, more jobs targeted at young people (2.44); learning how to apply for a job (2.38); support from employment services (2.33); more apprenticeships and traineeships available (2.31); and equal in last place was building your confidence and understanding employee rights (2.19). Stakeholders Response Work readiness was identified as beneficial induction into the workplace. Work experience had been stopped at one school due to lack of employers to participate. Support was required to assist young people getting jobs plus support for the employers to encourage them to open doors to young employees too. 1.4 Other Youth Comments • There was a comprehensive array of responses from young people with relation to school including smaller class sizes, personal study periods, more understanding and qualified teachers, access to more online programs, reducing school costs and too high expectations in school. Other areas noted included less school time, more camps, less homework and cheaper canteen. • Bullying was identified as an issue and young people felt their needed to be better bully management systems in place as well as associated supports (for example one person to handle all bullying at school). • A breakfast club was important to some young people if they were not able to have breakfast at home or had slept in. • Student support services needed to be advertised for those dealing with stress, in particular year 12 students. • There was a request for more chaplains in schools and one of each gender, this also applied to the school psychologist.
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