The Brotherhood of St Laurence report said the Shepparton region — which includes Rochester and district — has the second highest rate of youth unemployment in Victoria.
According to the report, 17.5 per cent of youth are unemployed in the Shepparton region.
That is well above the Victorian average of 11.4 per cent and the national rate of 11.2 per cent.
It also estimated 58,200 people aged 15 to 24 were unemployed in Victoria in December 2018.
Lockington Neighbourhood House co-ordinator Terri Hateley said the high figures were surprising as there were jobs available for young people willing to “put in the hard yards”.
“I have seen firsthand where there are some unrealistic expectations about work. Some young people don’t want to move away for work and away from their families and support networks,” she said.
“Jobs aren’t always advertised. You have to tap into the hidden market of door knocking, offering a trial period or asking employers for some experience to show interest.”
Ms Hateley said many young people were lacking skills and experience that were essential for securing work.
“They need more practice in how to write a suitable application letter and need to experience interviews to gain confidence in the process,” she said.
“It is very competitive out there. If you don’t know how to highlight your own skills and attributes, how is an employer going to know what you have to offer?
“There are services that can help but don’t just rely on one, tap into other supports that are available including job services, Beacon, Neighbourhood Houses as well as maintaining regular contact with employers where you are interested in working.”
Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network (CCLLEN) executive officer Anne Trickey said LLENs were concerned about youth unemployment.
“CCLLEN brings together schools, industry and community to help build this awareness in young people, especially of local opportunities,’’ she said.
“We have local businesses hosting students in their workplaces, participating in careers events, doing mock interviews and being guest speakers in schools. All of this is aimed at demonstrating to young people what is available here.”
According to the Brotherhood, the national youth unemployment rate is 11.2 per cent, which is equivalent to a quarter of a million unemployed young people.
The Brotherhood executive director Conny Lenneberg said she was concerned about young people without qualifications, skills or a family network.
‘‘To secure the future labour force and create opportunities for decent work, we need structural solutions that drill down to local job markets and infrastructure challenges,’’ she said.
‘‘We know all young jobseekers need access to a specialist youth employment service, whereas we have a fragmented response to employment services for young people.’’
The Brotherhood report said there needed to be more incentives.
“Young people are growing up in a rapidly changing world of work and are not aware of the many opportunities and pathways available,” Ms Trickey said.
“I would like to encourage local business to get involved.
“We need to grow our own future employees. Take young people on, skill them up, show them a pathway to advancement.”
To see the report, visit bsl.org.au/advocacy/youth-employment/youth-unemployment-monitor/
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