Young people in the Labour Market

Without employment opportunities, young people will leave town and are unlikely to return. Their connection to the local Nagambie labour market is limited by young people going to secondary school in the regional towns such as Seymour, Kilmore and Shepparton; and variable access to local work experience and casual jobs. Young people leaving school need to be inspired through their schools, parents and businesses to take up the local opportunities or they will be attracted by training or jobs elsewhere. The pathway of returning locals is not clear and would boost the skill and experience pool in Nagambie.

In total, 171 young people were employed in 22 businesses. In the last 2 years, 75% of businesses stated they had recruited young people. The larger businesses employ 90% of young people such as health services, multi-industry businesses, hospitality, accommodation and agriculture (See Figure 5.1 and 5.2). The employment prospects for teenagers are very low (only 4% of the Nagambie workforce) and concentrated in four - multi-industry businesses, agriculture, health and aged care and hospitality. Businesses tend to employ people in their twenties with more significant numbers in multi-industry businesses, health and aged care, accommodation and agriculture.