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Local Jobs for Local
People
–
Youth Stream
January 2024
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises the Traditional
Custodians of the lands on we which we live, work and play. We pay respect to the
Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples, as the first families in Brimbank, and the Elders
who have passed on their learning to young people for generations.
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Local Jobs for Local People
–
Youth Stream
Brimbank’s first Youth Jobs Strategy (2018 – 2023) began the important work of creating a framework
to consider and respond to persistent, high youth unemployment rates in the region. Building on this
early work and adapting to change, the next iteration will align with Councils Local Jobs for Local
People program and become a dedicated youth stream. This will empower young people to be part of
a wide range of learning and employment opportunities that support their engagement and their future
aspirations.
Local Jobs for Local People - Youth Stream is a guide for partners to work together to improve social
and economic outcomes for young people, to build and strengthen the local economy and the
community. The ideas and insights of local young people have shaped the approach to the strategy
and they will lead this work.
Vision
A simple vision drives this Program: Young people are Brimbank’s future. We value and listen to them.
We invest in them and support their needs and aspirations.
Melissa’s story: a foot in the door
Melissa is a young graduate who struggled to get work because of lack of experience. During
the pandemic, work opportunities for young people were limited, leading to a lack of on-the
job opportunities. Like many young people, Melissa needed help to get a foot in the door, to
get the initial experience.
Melissa attended Council’s youth consultation sessions to meet local employers, service
providers and other young people.
As well as developing knowledge and
skills, Melissa built her social and
professional networks, meeting young
people facing the same issues and
hearing what worked for them. She
didn’t feel so alone –
others faced
similar challenges. Melissa was also
introduced to local employers, to hear
directly from them. She understood
more about what they are looking for
and how they recruit.
Having gained confidence and skills,
Melissa applied for a role at Council
and is now working in a field that
aligns with her passions.
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Our track record
Council’s serious concerns about Brimbank's high youth
unemployment rate led to the development
of Brimbank’s first Youth Jobs Strategy (
2018
–
2023), designed to respond to the changing
economy and jobs market and the impact on young people in Brimbank. The strategy supported
young people to build career and work paths by:
•
Responding to serious concern over persistence of youth unemployment in Brimbank, as a
’national hot spot’
•
Creating a framework to consider and respond to high youth unemployment
•
Recognising vulnerable groups and diversity
•
Recognising the need for partnerships
•
Defining Council’s role: Plan, Advocate, Partner, Lead, Inform and involve, Deliver.
The strategy was developed as insecure forms of casual employment became more common and
opportunities for growth and career development diminished. It recognised the vulnerability of
specific groups of young people (those with disabilities, First Australians, young people from migrant
and refugee backgrounds, early school leavers and young people in contact with the justice system)
and the need to work with local partners to have an impact.
Council focussed on better support for young people experiencing barriers and on providing and
promoting meaningful workplace experiences, promoting access to work experience and student
placements.
Brimbank Learning Futures (BLF)
One of the highlights of the strategy was the
establishment of BLF as a new space in Sunshine to:
•
Broker new partnerships and programs
•
Respond to barriers
•
Co-locate with other facilities and services
•
Support vulnerable learners and community
members who have low educational attainment.
BLF is co-located with Youth Junction Inc, offering on
site access to legal help, youth mental health services,
Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) and Youth Support
and Advocacy Service (YSAS).
Economic development and innovation
Council’s work with young people on the Local Jobs Local People –
Youth Stream sits alongside
significant ongoing work on broader economic development and job growth in the region, through
the Brimbank Economic Development Strategy 2022
–
2027 and Transforming Brimbank.
The Transforming Brimbank program aims to leverage infrastructure and development investments
to deliver meaningful and generational change and ensure that investment will invest in people and
place and not just projects. Council recognises the importance of using major projects and record
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infrastructure investment to generate new economic and social opportunities for the people of
Brimbank and the greater western region.
A key focus of Council’s Economic Development Strategy with relevance for young people is
extensive engagement with local industry and educators, tackling labour force shortages and skills
gaps to create an engaged and job ready community. The Brimbank Economic and Employment
Advisory group (BEEAG) is one example of this work. BEEAG operates as a round table business
forum, considering local economic, investment and workforce development matters to build
economic capacity and prosperity.
Work to prioritise and optimise local economic and community benefits also takes place through
Council’s participation and involvement in Brimbank’s key activity areas and priority precincts: the
Sunshine National Employment and Innovation Cluster (NEIC) encompasses the Sunshine Priority
Precinct, Sunshine Metropolitan Activity Centre, St Albans Major Activity Centre and the Sunshine
Health, Wellbeing and Education Precinct (SHWEP).
All of this work contributes to building more choice and opportunity for young people to participate in
employment and learning.
Targeted projects: BrIMPACT
Council’s work with our partners on the BrIMPACT program is an example of how we have worked to
create the best opportunity for increased sustainable and inclusive employment for local young
people facing barriers to work. By understanding young people’s needs and creating strong
collaboration between local employment services, young people and business, BrIMPACT identified
new procurement, recruitment and employment practices more suited to local young people. One
especially promising area that Council continues to explore is social procurement:
Social Procurement is when organisations redirect their spend towards businesses that can create
social outcomes as well as deliver the goods and services required.
1
1
Social Procurement in the West. Transforming Spend into Community Prosperity.
Part A: Headline Report (undated),
ArcBlue, https://www.suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/185919/Social-Procurement-In-the
West-Headline-Report-FINAL.pdf
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2
ABS 2021 Census https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA21180
3
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2016 and 2021, compiled and presented by .id
4
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2016 and 2021, compiled and presented by atlas.id
5
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census update, 2018, cited in Brimbank Youth Strategy 2020 - 2024
6
National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) compiled and presented by economy.id
Fast facts
In 2021, there were
40,250
young people in
Brimbank aged 15 to
29 years
2
School completion went up
from 2016 to 2021
3
+ 6,682
Youth unemployment
(2016 and 2021)
4
Unemployment
dropped a lot
in 2021 and 2022
Unemployment is expected
to rise again. Young people
will be impacted.
Employers in Western Melbourne
report difficulty recruiting and
finding people with the right skills.
Young people born overseas
5
Brimbank’s economy was affected by COVID
(Gross regional product $m)
6
23
%
32
%
Brimbank
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Current context
Significant changes in recent years have presented both opportunities and challenges.
Unemployment and underemployment
Unemployment across Australia grew through the COVID-19 pandemic, from 5.2% in March 2020 to
7.4% in June and July of 2020
7
. Brimbank, historically challenged with persistently high
unemployment rates, reached 11.5% in Dec 2020 and youth unemployment was much higher in
many parts of Brimbank. However, the following years showed strong recovery. In 2022
–
2023,
Australia experienced the lowest levels of unemployment since 1974
8
. Brimbank’s overall
unemployment rate dropped steeply from 2021 to 2023.
In June 2023 unemployment in Brimbank (6.3%) remained higher than in the Western region of
Melbourne (4.9) and Victoria (3.7), however unemployment is closer to levels in these regions than
it was at the height of the pandemic.
In November 2023, while overall unemployment sat at 3.9%, the youth rate was 9.3% across
Australia
9
, a reminder that rates of youth unemployment are generally double those of the general
working age population
10
and that young people face general working age population
11
and that
young people face very different challenges in the labour market
12
.
7
All figures sourced from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia
8
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/jun-2022
9
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/latest-release, 14
December 2023, accessed 22 December 2023.
10
Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities
(September 2023:161), Treasury,
Parkes, ACT.
11
Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities
(September 2023:161), Treasury,
Parkes, ACT.
12
Labour Market Outcomes for Younger People
(June 2018), Dhillon and Cassidy, Reserve Bank of Australia, Bulletin.
An additional 6,682 young
people completed Year 12 (2016
to 2021)
Youth unemployment dropped
across Australia from 2016 to
2021
Young people in Brimbank are
multi-lingual
First Brimbank Youth Jobs
Strategy implemented
Brimbank Learning Futures is
established
Strong local relationships with
secondary schools, youth
services, business and industry
COVID led to a collapse of work for
young people, whose mental
health and wellbeing suffered
Education, training disrupted
Youth unemployment reemains
above Western Region rates,
sometimes double national rates
Some young people face more
barriers than others
Not engaged in education or
employment (NEET) levels are
concerning (8.8% disengaged)
OPPORTU
NITIES
CHALLENGES
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People are counted as ‘employed’ if they work one
hour or more in the reference week
13
, meaning
that many people may be counted as employed when they are
underemployed
. Being
underemployed means wanting to work more hours and being available for that work.
In May 2023, the age groups reporting the highest levels of underemployment were the youngest
workers. For those aged 15 to 19 years, one in four (25.6%) were underemployed. This reduced
slightly for those aged 20 to 24 years (16.6%). Even for those aged 25 to 29 years, more than one
in ten (11.9%) continue to be underemployed
14
.
The relatively low unemployment rate in recent years has presented clear opportunities. Young
people in some parts of Brimbank thrive
15
, with good support from well-resourced family, education
and social networks. More young people in Brimbank are now completing Year 12
16
, leading to
better employment opportunities in future.
However, many young people were significantly affected by COVID-19. Casual and entry level jobs
in retail and hospitality were precarious even before the pandemic. As COVID restrictions tightened,
many of these roles disappeared altogether, as retail and accommodation, and food services
industries were among those most affected by social distancing measures
17
.
With disruptions to education and training opportunities, and the isolation resulting from reduced
peer engagement, young people suffered from the cumulative adverse effects of these changes at a
significant time in their lives.
Missing opportunities as a young person can have lifelong consequences and can create a ‘scarring
effect’ on the individual
18
, restricting their future prospects. There are also broader consequences:
Work is an important aspect of a person’s sense of belonging and identity. It can
improve
physical and mental health and is a way of engaging in the community and society. The
income received from employment helps people improve their standard of living and
provide for others. We need the labour market to function well for the economy,
communities and people to thrive
19
.
A range of different needs
When young people are
not in education or employment
(NEET), this is sometimes described as
being
disengaged
. Being disengaged or NEET is rarely a choice. It aligns closely with forms of
complex disadvantage and lack of opportunity that can lead to some young people being excluded
from employment, education and training
20
, and all the benefits that follow in later life: higher
income, better health and greater opportunity.
13
Labour Force Explained,
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3 April 2023
https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/d3310114.nsf/home/labour+force+explained#:~:text=The%20ABS%20defines%20peo
ple%20as,more%20in%20the%20reference%20week accessed 3 January 2024
14
Underemployed workers,
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 30 June 2023
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/underemployed-workers/latest-release#sex-and
age accessed 3 January 2024
15
https://atlas.id.com.au/brimbank City of Brimbank, Youth unemployment rate (persons aged 15-24), 2021, Usual
residence, Persons.
16
https://profile.id.com.au/brimbank/schooling accessed 22 December 2023.
17
Employment and unemployment (
September 2023), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/employment-unemployment, accessed 22 December 2023.
18
The Wounds That Do Not Heal: The Lifetime Scars of Youth Unemployment
(October 2021) De Fraja, Lemos and Rockey,
Economica, Vol 88, Issue 352.
19
Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities
(September 2023), Treasury, Parkes,
ACT.
20
Supporting young people experiencing disadvantage to secure work
(November 2022) Australian Institute of Family
Studies, https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/supporting-young-people-experiencing-disadvantage-secure-work
accessed 22 December 2023.
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Recognising and tackling the reasons for exclusion and disengagement is an important first step to
begin active engagement in education and training or steps towards pre-employment.
A variety of approaches is needed to ensure that particularly vulnerable groups are actively included,
encouraged and supported through the early stages of engagement. Tailored approaches are needed
to reach out to and include:
•
Young parents, primarily women, with children who may need childcare and support with
parenting
•
Aboriginal young people who need cultural safety and an environment free from racism
•
Young people with disabilities who need access to be openly considered and addressed
•
Young people not born in Australia, with poor English proficiency who may need interpreters
or presenters who can adjust their communication style.
Working with young people
Young people are the experts in their own experience and so Council has undergone extensive
consultation and listening to reflect on the previous strategy, to consider the enormous changes that
have taken place in recent years and to understand what young people want in the years to come.
Council engaged youth-led organisations to work with young people in both school and community
settings. Young people led co-design sessions with employers, industry and Council teams to reflect
on previous work, consider changes in the community and the economy and generate ideas for the
new Local Jobs Local People - Youth Stream program.
Council thanks the many passionate young people who gave their ideas and time to develop this
program.
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What we learned
COVID was hard.
Young people need Council teams to work together and to keep listening to them.
They ask all partners across Brimbank to work together: Council teams, local services, educators,
business, employers and the wider community.
This work confirmed the positive impacts of meaningful employment for young people:
•
Financial security and independence
•
Mental and social wellbeing, belonging and connection
•
Learning, gaining skills, confidence and experience.
Barriers to employment for young people were also confirmed:
•
Transport access and limitations, including safety issues
•
Competing time pressures, balancing study and family commitments
•
Lack of experience.
A series of insights, ideas and recommendations were proposed, including:
•
Industry excursions, introductions, networking and mentoring
•
Skill-building workshops
•
Engagement of young people through targeted use of social media
•
Strengthen networks with local schools and industry.
Young people identified a variety of opportunities to explore. Through a mix of introductions,
information sharing, opportunities and supports, young people can gain confidence, skills, and a sense
of satisfaction and belonging. As well as improving their future health and wellbeing, their participation
in work and learning fulfils an important role, for business and industry to contribute to growing
Brimbank’s economy.
The Brimbank community is stronger and safer when we actively support and encourage young people
to engage, wherever they may be on their pathways to learning and employment.
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Principles
Building on this work, the LJLP Youth stream is based on principles that will guide how and why we do
this work:
1. The
economic prospects
of young people are important for:
•
their wellbeing
•
Brimbank's economic future
•
social cohesion
2.
Collaboration
with partners is needed to find local solutions for:
•
learning
•
skill development
•
sustainable employment
3. An
integrated program
can deliver outcomes for:
•
young people
•
employers
•
community.
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Role of local government
Council cannot and should not do everything. Instead, clearly defined roles support our work with
partners across many sectors: in education, local business and industry and the wider community.
Council’s roles are summarised below, with simple examples. Further detail is provided below.
EMPOWER
DELIVER
PARTNER
MODEL
•
support young
people to lead and
co-design
•
welcome young
people at Council
sites
•
listen, offer peer-to
peer learning
•
engage vulnerable
groups
•
connect to services,
networks and
resources
•
provide information
and build capacity
and confidence
•
help young people
to prepare
•
network to mobilise
collective resources
•
partner to access
learning
•
connect with
employers and
mentors
•
facilitate
introductions
•
entry level
opportunities to
gain experience
•
innovate, best
practice
recruitment
•
social procurement
Partners: external and internal
Council works closely with our partners in business and industry. Working to improve employment
outcomes for young people also provides a benefit to the local economy and to employers in the
region, seeking to fill vacancies.
Council will use our networks to help young people navigate systems and connect with the right
person or the service they need, whether that is a Council service or a connection with one of our
external partners providing a service in Brimbank.
Council will avoid duplication. We will not create or offer services that are already available in
Brimbank. Instead, young people will be welcomed through all Council teams and facilities, including
Brimbank Learning Futures, Economic Development, Libraries, Neighbourhood Houses and Leisure
Centres, ensuring that they find what they need and can connect with our internal teams or external
partners.
Council teams and services will work together to respond to young people and deliver the services
and support they need. The diagram below illustrates the relevance of a wide range of policy and
strategy guiding Council’s work and points to the key Council partners who will collaborate to deliver
the Program.
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Strategic landscape
Brimbank Community Vision 2040
: Prosperity: Everyone has access to education training, and
life-long learning to support their learning and employment aspirations
Local Jobs For Local
People Program
The program identifies
how Council can support,
encourage and influence
better local employment
outcomes.
The Local Jobs for Local
People program will focus
on four key areas:
‒
Strengthening
Employment Networks
‒
Supporting Education
and Training Networks
‒
Enhancing the Public
Realm and Support
Activation
‒
Promoting Local
Procurement.
Local Jobs Local People
–
Youth Stream 2024-2029
Neighbourhood
Houses &
Community
Centres Strategy
2019-2024:
A place for
activities, skills,
links to services
and people making
connections, a
place for learning
and for belonging
Related Plans and
Strategies that guide
services and support for
the community:
‒
Physical Activity
Strategy
‒
Library Strategy 2020-
2025
‒
Carer Support Plan
2022-2025
‒
Disability Action Plan
2022-2026
‒
Settlement Action Plan
2019-2023
‒
Age Friendly City Plan
2018-2022
‒
Cultural Strategy
2018-2022
‒
Transport Priorities
Paper 2022
‒
Volunteer Strategy
2018-2022
‒
Procurement Policy
2021
Lifelong
Learning
Strategy 2024-
2029
Young people
have positive
further education,
employment and
leaning
opportunities and
choices.
Youth Strategy
2020-2024
Provide
counselling,
support young
parents and other
groups, and
support the
participation of
young people in
Council life.
Council Plan 2021
- 2025
Earning and
Learning: Support
economic and social
inclusion; Support
community access
to education and
jobs
Related Plans and
Strategies that guide
access, inclusion, rights
and respect:
‒
Community
Strengthening Policy
2014
‒
Social Justice Charter
2018
‒
Fairness Equality and
Respect Strategy 2019
2023
‒
Safe and Inclusive
Brimbank 220-2024
‒
Resilient Brimbank
Framework 2018-2022
‒
Reconciliation Action
Plan 2019-2021
‒
Home and Housed
Housing Strategy 2014
‒
Gender Equality Action
Plan 2021-2025
‒
Mental Wellbeing Plan
2022-2024
‒
Community Engagement
Policy 2021
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What approach will the program take?
Between 2024 and 2029, this will be the program’s approach. Specific deliverables will be outlined in annual implementation plans
developed each year.
This approach is covered by existing resources, however there will be ongoing work to identify additional partnership and funding
opportunities to expand the scale and reach of what can be achieved each year on behalf of the community.
1. Empower young people to lead
Approach
Lead Unit Intended Results
1.1. Regular, accessible and inclusive events
support young people to network, connect
and learn from each other.
BLF
Young people are connected to share their successes and
challenges and learn from each other.
1.2. Young people co-design, exploring their
interests and concerns to decide what
support or resources they need.
BLF
BLF is a welcoming entry point to Council.
Young people begin to decide the content of future events.
Young people develop capability and autonomy.
1.3. Events target and include new or vulnerable
groups of young people.
BLF
Young people feel welcome at Council services and facilities and
are encouraged to participate and connect.
Disengaged young people recognise the importance of
employment and the positive impact it can have on their lives and
the lives of their families and community.
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2. Deliver services that young people need to thrive
Approach
Lead Unit Intended Results
2.1. Young people are connected to a range of
resources, supports or networks to assist
with their current needs and aspirations.
BLF
Youth Services
Young people find the resources and supports that they need.
Young people make progress towards self-described personal
goals or aspirations (confidence, connection, inspiration, skill,
experience, contacts).
2.2. Information sessions for young people /
families /support networks help young
people transitioning from school to work,
education or training.
BLF
Youth Services
Community and social supports for young people are
strengthened.
2.3. Young people are supported to:
‒
create a resume
‒
search for employment opportunities
‒
apply for employment opportunities
‒
prepare for interviews
‒
manage setbacks
BLF
Lifelong Learning
Young people have the skills and confidence to search and
apply for employment opportunities.
Young people gain skills and feel more confident and prepared
for job interviews and potential rejections.
2.4. Young people are supported on how to
prepare essential documentation
BLF
Libraries
Young people can present evidence of participation in training
modules and skill development, short courses including
documentation of micro-credentials.
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3. Partner and connect for greater impact
Approach
Lead Unit Intended Results
3.1.Relevant networks and local service
systems share information and mobilise
collective resources
BLF
Youth
Economic
Development
Support for young people and opportunities for post-school
education and employment are better coordinated.
Duplication of services is avoided.
3.2. Education and training opportunities or
pre-employment (job-readiness) programs
BLF
Young people can identify opportunities for local training and
employment pathways.
Young people reconnect and engage with education and
training.
Young people acquire knowledge and skills that are
recognised.
3.3. Young people are connected with potential
employers to prepare them for
employment in local industries/business.
Economic
Development
BLF
Local employers connect with young people.
Young people understand the skills/experience needed for
local entry-level employment.
Young people acquire skills for local employment.
3.4. Mentoring programs connect with young
people.
BLF
Economic
Development
More opportunities for young people to connect with mentors
for individual support and encouragement.
3.5. Industry stakeholders understand the
benefits of employing local young people
Economic
Development
More opportunities for young people to connect with local
employers.
More recruitment options for local employers
Page 17 of 20
4. Model best practice
Approach
Lead Unit Intended Results
4.1. There are flexible, short term, paid
opportunities and internships within Council
BLF
People, Culture
and Wellbeing
Young people can access a range of meaningful, entry-level
work-place experiences.
Young people build their employment experience and skills.
4.2. Innovative/progressive recruitment
processes for young people in targeted
entry-level roles at Council
People, Culture
and Wellbeing
Leisure
Council learns from recent work (BrIMPACT, Youth
Recruitment Toolkit) to attract young employees.
Council’s recruitment processes are informed by best
practice.
4.3. Direct and indirect social procurement
approaches
Economic
Development
Employment opportunities for young people in future major
infrastructure developments in Brimbank and
Melbourne’s
West.
Page 18 of 20
For young people, how will this resonate?
Education
•
Schools
•
TAFE
•
University
•
Training
organisations
•
Short courses
Community
•
Identity
•
Culture
•
Family
•
Social
•
Access
•
Services
•
Networks
•
Government
Business
•
Manufacturing
•
Health & social
assistance
•
Construction
•
Small business
•
Creative
•
Hospitality
•
Retail
Council can be your entry point. We
will welcome you and introduce you to
other young people to build your
confidence and capacity to engage.
We can support you to connect with
our partner networks. You might need
help or introductions to access and
navigate a range of services to get
what you need: learning, employment
or support.
Page 19 of 20
How will we know we are making a difference?
•
We will continue to consult young people and our partners
as we go.
•
We will monitor current data (e.g.: pockets of high
unemployment; new and emerging employment
opportunities).
•
We will deliver the Program using annual implementation
plans, starting 1 July 2024. Each year’s plan will include
clear roles and deliverables for internal partners, as we
collaborate to deliver results.
•
We will learn as we go
–
measure, reflect and understand
our impact
–
so that we can build what works and pull
back on what doesn’t have an impact.
•
This will allow us to be flexible and respond to changing
community needs and to be accountable to the
community, to business and to our young people.
Consult
Young people
Business
Educators
Partners
Data
Implement
Each year
Collaborate
Clear roles
Deliverables
Test
Measure
Reflect
Understand
impact
Develop
Innovate
Adapt
Listen
Respond
Page 20 of 20
