According to Professor Wendy Patton from the Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology, the part-time work teenagers take on while at high school can have far-reaching benefits. Her study of students in Years 9 to 12 found that this work gave them an understanding of 'the demands of the workplace and encouraged them to reconsider the importance of their high school study'. (Source: Education Review, September 2009, p.4.)

Did you know you can earn a qualification, fantastic work experience and finish school at the same time? An Australian School-based Apprenticeship lets you do all these things and more...
Find out how

Job Guide is an Australian Government resource that helps young people explore career options and make subject choices. It provides information about a wide range of occupations and the education and training pathways that lead to them. The Job Guide website is now available on your mobile phone at www.mobile.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au (phone charges may apply).

Australian Apprenticeships (apprenticeships and traineeships) provide the opportunity to combine skills based training with employment. The Australian Youth Forum (AYF) would like to know your thoughts on Australian Apprenticeships.
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Community Active Careers would like to congratulate all finalists and winners in the 2009 Australian Training Awards, held in Canberra on 19 November at Exhibition Park in Canberra, particularly those undertaking training in Community Services and Health. Read profiles on the Community Services and Health students who were winners, plus all the finalists...
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Nominations for the 2009 Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) are now open. School principals and Vocational Education and Training (VET) coordinators have the opportunity to nominate Year 12 students who have undertaken vocational education and training as part of their senior secondary certificate.
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Don’t miss the most innovative and interactive careers event in North Queensland…“Skills on Show” Thursday 27th May 2010.
Now in its 7th year, the Smart Futures 4 North Queensland initiative seeks to provide a platform for schools, industry and training to work together collaboratively.
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The Queensland Department of Education and Training (DET) recently produced a new DVD showcasing career pathways, apprenticeships and traineeships, and career opportunities in a variety of industries in the South-West region.
For more information or to obtain a copy of the DVD, contact Wayne Rutledge (Senior Program Officer, Training, South West Region, DET) on (07) 4687 2898 or wayne.rutledge@deta.qld.gov.au

If you're looking for some career inspiration for young people, check out the range of jobs available in Community Services and Health industries on our Career Opportunities page.
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Engaging Tomorrow’s Workforce Today is an opportunity for employers to learn how to engage enthusiastic young people who are interested in working in the community services and health industries.
Sydney: 27 November, Sebel, Surry Hills | Melbourne: 4 December, Mantra on Little Bourke
Speakers Biographies | More Information | Register Now

Work placements can be a great way to attract new and younger workers to your organisation and sector. The Griffith University Humanities Industry Placement (HIP) program is one example of how health and community services organisations can generate new interest in their sectors through offering work placements.

If you would like to know more about the HIP program, visit the website or contact Shirley Pugsley, Project Manager on (07) 3735 7432 or s.pugsley@griffith.edu.au

Employers! Promote careers in your sector to North Queensland’s workforce of the future! Smart Futures 4 North Queensland is a community-based, not for profit initiative which seeks to provide a platform for schools, industry and training to work together collaboratively.
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The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council's 5th annual Convention was a resounding success, incorporating four events and a diverse and dynamic array of delegates, speakers, sponsors and trade exhibitors.
Read the wrap up and view the image gallery here
Download selected conference presentations from Day 1 and  Day 2

The Community Services and Health NICS and RICA 44 travelled more than 5,500 kilometres carrying more than 150 kilos of resources and materials to assist setting up a drop in centre and mini career hubs at the libraries in the schools of Cocos and Christmas Islands.
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The Australian Government believes that education is a key element in building a just, participative and productive society in which young Australians are able to reach their full potential. Difficult economic conditions have heightened the urgency to support young people, who are particularly vulnerable in periods of tight labour markets.
Download the COAG Fact Sheet

This report, from the Australian Government Office for Youth, presents a comprehensive picture of how young Australians are faring. The report’s findings were based on national data sources, existing literature, stakeholder interviews and focus groups with young people.
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Download the report (4.8 mb)

In 2008 Mission Australia conducted its seventh annual National survey of young Australians with over 45,000 young people aged 11-24 years. The survey aimed to identify the important and emerging issues for young people through a series of questions on what they value, their issues of concern, where they turn for advice and support, and who they admire.
Download the report