How young people are faring: key indicators 2005: an update about the learning and work situation of young Australians

This seventh annual report provides point in time data for three main measures of youth participation in learning or work: teenagers not in full-time education and not in full-time employment, unemployment rates among young people and 25 to 54 year olds, and young adults who have completed Year 12 or a postsecondary qualification. It paints a picture of 'insiders' and 'outsiders'. While many young people today are better educated and better skilled than previous generations, an estimated 560,000 15-24-year-olds are not in full-time learning or work. Those growing up in stressed socio-economic circumstances, rural Australia, Indigenous communities and young women not in education are particularly susceptible. More than 330,000 of the young Australians not engaged full-time in learning or work are female; the difference between the sexes is markedly higher than in previous years.