Four years ago, 800 teenagers left school. Then, they were tracked
The study monitored 800 students who left high school in 2020 while receiving support from the charity.
Unsurprisingly, better school attendance, higher grades and completing year 12 were all associated with better employment and training outcomes, the research found, but access to career advice was fundamental to success.
'Highly engaged young people had clear goals, strong support networks and well-developed career management skills. They successfully navigated alternative pathways, overcame setbacks and adjusted plans while staying on track,' the report said.
Last year, the long-awaited Universities Accord set a target for students from poorer backgrounds to make up 25 per cent of university places. The Rudd government in 2009 set a target of 20 per cent, but universities have so far failed to achieve anywhere close to that.
There were 66,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds in tertiary education in 2023, federal Department of Education data shows, about 16.9 per cent of all students.
There has also been a decline in the number of students taking up initial teacher education degrees, as well as a slight decrease in those taking up nursing, while society and culture courses were also down. By comparison, information technology, engineering and hospitality and personal service courses were up, the data released in March showed.
Loading
The Smith Family said its report indicated schools needed to focus on intentional career development learning which should include personalised career advice and support.
The report also found while 87 per cent of young people from a disadvantaged background were either working or studying three years after leaving high school, those who had work were often in insecure, part-time jobs which had very limited opportunities for promotion.
The charity's head of research and advocacy Anne Hampshire said career counselling must connect young people with the world of work beyond school.
'Many of the young people we spoke to wanted much more personalised careers advice, thinking about what they were interested in, helping them to connect to employers, helping them to get exposure to different industries and particularly new jobs that are going to be created in the future,' she said.
'We cannot expect the one lone careers adviser to provide that support for the whole of the school. What works much, much more is when there are partnerships developed ... to really support within the school, young people to have access to employers, to universities.'
McCullough knows the value of supporting boys from disadvantaged backgrounds first-hand.
After his stints as a plumber and plasterer, he landed a job as a trainee with Top Blokes, a charity organisation which runs mentoring programs for young men focused on healthy masculinity, respectful relationships, mental health, leadership, and positive decision-making.
'I wanted to do something where I can connect with people more on that psychological level,' he said.
Sara Abdalhadi graduated from Liverpool Girls High School last year and knew she always wanted to be a doctor. Having the goal was the easy part: actually securing a spot in a pre-med program meant she needed to be tactical about her academic focus. Fortunately, career counselling was readily available at her school.
'My career adviser was my rock,' she said.
She met her every fortnight last year and, Abdalhadi said, helped her balance the competing priorities of getting the required ATAR, scoring well in the medical school admissions test and succeeding in an interview.
'I think she kept me going. Like, obviously, everyone has their bad days, and everyone loses hope sometimes, especially when you're coming from, like, a school that is not as recognised as other schools,' she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
If you're going for a home loan but still have a HECS debt, you might want to wait
People with outstanding student loans will have an easier time getting a mortgage from September, when new lending rules will take effect. Banks will be able to disregard higher education loan program (HELP) debts, which include HECS debt, when assessing a homebuyer for a mortgage. The changes were finalised this week, after the Albanese government made a pre-election pledge in February to level the playing field for people with student debts. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has advised banks to remove HELP debt from debt-to-income reporting, a metric used to determine a person's capacity to repay a mortgage. The regulator has also clarified that it may be reasonable for banks to completely disregard a person's HELP debt from serviceability assessments, where it's expected the loan will be paid off within 12 months. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the changes would make lending rules fairer. "We're making sure young people with a HELP debt are treated fairly and supporting them to get into the property market," he said. The changes mean a dual-income household with two student debts could borrow an additional $50,000 in the year they expect to pay off their student loan, according to the government's own analysis. APRA has written to lenders and the industry to advise them of the changes and their new obligations. The revised standards for banks will come into effect on September 30, 2025. In its letter to lenders, APRA said the changes would provide regulatory clarity and reaffirm the flexibility banks had in considering borrowers' individual circumstances. The regulator expects the changes will allow some borrowers with student debts to secure a home loan sooner. Education Minister Jason Clare said the Universities Accord found that banks' assessments of student debt made it harder for young Australians to buy a home. "HECS was never meant to be a handbrake on owning a home," he said. "That's not fair and we're fixing it." The federal government will also move ahead with its plan to reduce student debts by 20 per cent, something it committed to before the May election. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised the legislative changes would be his first priority if his government was to be re-elected. The government has reaffirmed this, saying it will be the first piece of legislation introduced when Parliament returns on July 22, 2025. The 20 per cent reduction will occur once the legislation passes Parliament. However, the government has clarified the discount will be calculated based on a person's HELP debt amount as at June 1, 2025, before indexation was applied. This means the 2025 indexation will only apply to the remaining balance after the 20 per cent reduction. People with outstanding student loans will have an easier time getting a mortgage from September, when new lending rules will take effect. Banks will be able to disregard higher education loan program (HELP) debts, which include HECS debt, when assessing a homebuyer for a mortgage. The changes were finalised this week, after the Albanese government made a pre-election pledge in February to level the playing field for people with student debts. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has advised banks to remove HELP debt from debt-to-income reporting, a metric used to determine a person's capacity to repay a mortgage. The regulator has also clarified that it may be reasonable for banks to completely disregard a person's HELP debt from serviceability assessments, where it's expected the loan will be paid off within 12 months. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the changes would make lending rules fairer. "We're making sure young people with a HELP debt are treated fairly and supporting them to get into the property market," he said. The changes mean a dual-income household with two student debts could borrow an additional $50,000 in the year they expect to pay off their student loan, according to the government's own analysis. APRA has written to lenders and the industry to advise them of the changes and their new obligations. The revised standards for banks will come into effect on September 30, 2025. In its letter to lenders, APRA said the changes would provide regulatory clarity and reaffirm the flexibility banks had in considering borrowers' individual circumstances. The regulator expects the changes will allow some borrowers with student debts to secure a home loan sooner. Education Minister Jason Clare said the Universities Accord found that banks' assessments of student debt made it harder for young Australians to buy a home. "HECS was never meant to be a handbrake on owning a home," he said. "That's not fair and we're fixing it." The federal government will also move ahead with its plan to reduce student debts by 20 per cent, something it committed to before the May election. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised the legislative changes would be his first priority if his government was to be re-elected. The government has reaffirmed this, saying it will be the first piece of legislation introduced when Parliament returns on July 22, 2025. The 20 per cent reduction will occur once the legislation passes Parliament. However, the government has clarified the discount will be calculated based on a person's HELP debt amount as at June 1, 2025, before indexation was applied. This means the 2025 indexation will only apply to the remaining balance after the 20 per cent reduction. People with outstanding student loans will have an easier time getting a mortgage from September, when new lending rules will take effect. Banks will be able to disregard higher education loan program (HELP) debts, which include HECS debt, when assessing a homebuyer for a mortgage. The changes were finalised this week, after the Albanese government made a pre-election pledge in February to level the playing field for people with student debts. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has advised banks to remove HELP debt from debt-to-income reporting, a metric used to determine a person's capacity to repay a mortgage. The regulator has also clarified that it may be reasonable for banks to completely disregard a person's HELP debt from serviceability assessments, where it's expected the loan will be paid off within 12 months. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the changes would make lending rules fairer. "We're making sure young people with a HELP debt are treated fairly and supporting them to get into the property market," he said. The changes mean a dual-income household with two student debts could borrow an additional $50,000 in the year they expect to pay off their student loan, according to the government's own analysis. APRA has written to lenders and the industry to advise them of the changes and their new obligations. The revised standards for banks will come into effect on September 30, 2025. In its letter to lenders, APRA said the changes would provide regulatory clarity and reaffirm the flexibility banks had in considering borrowers' individual circumstances. The regulator expects the changes will allow some borrowers with student debts to secure a home loan sooner. Education Minister Jason Clare said the Universities Accord found that banks' assessments of student debt made it harder for young Australians to buy a home. "HECS was never meant to be a handbrake on owning a home," he said. "That's not fair and we're fixing it." The federal government will also move ahead with its plan to reduce student debts by 20 per cent, something it committed to before the May election. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised the legislative changes would be his first priority if his government was to be re-elected. The government has reaffirmed this, saying it will be the first piece of legislation introduced when Parliament returns on July 22, 2025. The 20 per cent reduction will occur once the legislation passes Parliament. However, the government has clarified the discount will be calculated based on a person's HELP debt amount as at June 1, 2025, before indexation was applied. This means the 2025 indexation will only apply to the remaining balance after the 20 per cent reduction. People with outstanding student loans will have an easier time getting a mortgage from September, when new lending rules will take effect. Banks will be able to disregard higher education loan program (HELP) debts, which include HECS debt, when assessing a homebuyer for a mortgage. The changes were finalised this week, after the Albanese government made a pre-election pledge in February to level the playing field for people with student debts. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has advised banks to remove HELP debt from debt-to-income reporting, a metric used to determine a person's capacity to repay a mortgage. The regulator has also clarified that it may be reasonable for banks to completely disregard a person's HELP debt from serviceability assessments, where it's expected the loan will be paid off within 12 months. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the changes would make lending rules fairer. "We're making sure young people with a HELP debt are treated fairly and supporting them to get into the property market," he said. The changes mean a dual-income household with two student debts could borrow an additional $50,000 in the year they expect to pay off their student loan, according to the government's own analysis. APRA has written to lenders and the industry to advise them of the changes and their new obligations. The revised standards for banks will come into effect on September 30, 2025. In its letter to lenders, APRA said the changes would provide regulatory clarity and reaffirm the flexibility banks had in considering borrowers' individual circumstances. The regulator expects the changes will allow some borrowers with student debts to secure a home loan sooner. Education Minister Jason Clare said the Universities Accord found that banks' assessments of student debt made it harder for young Australians to buy a home. "HECS was never meant to be a handbrake on owning a home," he said. "That's not fair and we're fixing it." The federal government will also move ahead with its plan to reduce student debts by 20 per cent, something it committed to before the May election. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised the legislative changes would be his first priority if his government was to be re-elected. The government has reaffirmed this, saying it will be the first piece of legislation introduced when Parliament returns on July 22, 2025. The 20 per cent reduction will occur once the legislation passes Parliament. However, the government has clarified the discount will be calculated based on a person's HELP debt amount as at June 1, 2025, before indexation was applied. This means the 2025 indexation will only apply to the remaining balance after the 20 per cent reduction.
Perth Now
17 hours ago
- Perth Now
Simple change making Aussies $125k better off
The average young Australian is tipped to be $125,000 better off in their retirement simply by staying in the workforce, a major superannuation fund reveals. Australian Retirement Trust says the rise in the superannuation guarantee over the last five years is 'good news' for Australian workers who will have more in their retirement nest egg. Under changes to the superannuation guarantee proposed by the Rudd government and enacted by the Morrison government, every working Aussies superannuation rate automatically went from 9.5 to 12.00 per cent. The changes were brought in incrementally, up 0.5 per cent a year, with the final change starting from July 1 2025. Australians tipped to be $125k better off when they retire. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar Credit: NewsWire According to the Australian Retirement Trust this five year plan will now see a 30-year old earning $100,000 retire with an additional $125,000 when they finish up their careers. Australian retirement trust executive general manager for advocacy and impact, Anne Fuchs, said the boost to the SG rate is good news for all working Australians. 'This half per cent step may seem small, but for working Australians, it's like reaching the summit of your own financial Everest,' Mrs Fuchs said. 'Since the Superannuation Guarantee was introduced in 1992, it has become the cornerstone of Australia's retirement system – evolving from a modest 3 per cent contribution to a robust framework that provides you with meaningful savings for your future.' Separate research from the Association of Superannuation Funds said the increase from to 12 per cent will mean the median 30-year old worker making $75,000 a year will add about $20,000 to their superannuation balance by the time they retire. The ASFA predicts the average 30-year old worker will now achieve a comfortable retirement. NewsWire / John Appleyard Credit: News Corp Australia This $20,000 increase will mean the median 30-year old will retire with $610,000 in superannuation, above the $53,383 a year or $595,000 they would need for a comfortable retirement. Couples should fare even better. ASFA says a couple requires $73,875 a year or $690,000 combined in total to live comfortably in retirement using their super plus age pension top-ups. The major caveat to these figures for singles and couples is owning your own home by retirement. Check your superannuation rate While the rate of change might seem small, Australian Retirement Trust urges Aussies to check their superannuation rate. According to survey data by the super fund four out of every five Australians don't know how much they've put away for retirement, while only one in five can correctly identify the current superannuation guarantee. 'Whether you're just starting your career or nearing retirement, understanding these changes can help you make smarter financial decisions,' Ms Fuchs said. 'As we look towards our own retirement savings, we should also look towards ensuring the Superannuation Guarantee is fit-for-purpose as our nation ages and grows.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
NSW needs to build thousands more homes. Developers say this change will help
The NSW opposition has seized on proposed changes to the way developer contributions are used to criticise the state government for offloading the responsibility for building basic infrastructure, while property developers say the shake-up will advance the delivery of greenfield developments. Premier Chris Minns on Thursday released long-awaited draft guidelines for a scheme that enables property developers to choose between paying a $12,000 levy per residential lot, or delivering infrastructure such as parks and roads as a 'works-in-kind' contribution for new developments. The changes underscore debate about the provision of infrastructure in fast-growing parts of Sydney, as the state government seeks to ramp up the delivery of desperately needed housing stock. Developers will be able to dedicate land for public purposes or deliver infrastructure projects, rather than paying through the Housing and Productivity Contribution. The government introduced the contribution as a tax on new developments across Sydney, the Illawarra, Hunter and the Central Coast to replace the existing Special Infrastructure Contributions scheme in 2023. The state government hopes the proposed guidelines will improve the feasibility of greenfield developments, as developers will not be required to hand over significant amounts of cash before the issue of the first construction certificate or throughout the development approval process. Loading Urban Development Institute of Australia chief executive Stuart Ayres said the absence of a works-in-kind framework for the past couple of years had been a roadblock to starting construction on new homes. 'In the middle of a housing crisis we need more green lights for housing. This will take the pressure off the taxpayer and allow developers across the state to use their own capital to fund critical infrastructure, and that means projects can get rolling much earlier.' But Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the draft scheme was 'an admission that Labor can't build the infrastructure needed to support housing – so now they're begging the private sector to do it instead. But the $12,000 tax per home still exists, driving up costs and driving down supply.
