Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has outlined a range of Government services for young people transitioning from school into work or training.

In a speech to parliament today, Mr Taylor said supporting young school leavers was a critical issue for the Coalition. “Government has to be about more than just posturing, it has to be about outcomes. It has to be about delivery.

“We’re at a point now where we have youth unemployment rates of about 12.5 per cent compared to just over six per cent for the overall economy. One in three people aged under 25 are out of work. This is a very serious problem that the previous Labor Government failed to address. Looking at apprenticeships, completion rates for Australian apprenticeships are unacceptably low at 55%. What an extraordinary economic cost to Australia.

“In contrast, the Abbott Government is focused on outcomes. We’ve set ourselves a target of creating one million jobs in five years and two million in 10 years.

“We’re rolling out a series of services that will help engage young people with work – these include Work for the Dole, the revised Job Services Australia programme and Green Army. In my electorate, five Green Army projects are in the process of starting up. Participants will be able to undertake accredited training such as work readiness, conservation and land management, heritage conservation, project and human resource management and trade skills.

“Another exciting project for young people is the Trade Support Loans Scheme, enabling apprentices to access financial support over the course of their apprenticeship. The completion incentive built into the loans structure is particularly commendable.

“The Work for the Dole programme will be reinvigorated to ensure practical work experience and direct connections into a work-like environment are given top priority. And we will be encouraging those aged under 30 to be learning or earning.

“Few issues can be more important for the future of this economy than delivering growth and creating jobs for the young. It is our strong commitment.”