Generation next: where to for Australia’s young people?

Compared to many other countries, Australia’s young population was shielded from the worst of the global financial crisis. In Greece, youth unemployment is at 53%, and 55% in Spain. Some reports suggest that there is a flight of young people from Spain seeking opportunities to work. The potential damage to the social and economic fabric of these countries is significant. The political implications are already evident in widespread protests and unrest. While unemployment levels in Australia are lower by comparison, there are other trends that should be cause for concern, including ones that challenge our assumptions about how young Australians are faring in their transitions from school to work, further study and training.