We want to make sure Australia continues to grow and prosper, and that young Australians are well positioned to meet the demands of an increasingly global economy and a complex world of work. Education is the key to achieving this.

Providing young people with educational opportunities, training options and life skills enables them to meet the demands of the workplaces of tomorrow. Education is for life—it is an investment that cannot be lost, spent or taken away. A good education prepares young people to build on their abilities and sets them up for lifelong learning, so that they can further enhance their opportunities.

Young people also need to have a vision of the future they want, and be equipped to make it a reality. They need to be able to understand the pathways that are open to them, identify their own strengths, and make choices that will lead to a fulfilling and challenging career and a happy and productive life.

Good career development skills and transition support services increase the chances of young people staying on at school and succeeding as they manage their move to independence and adult life.

The Australian Government encourages all young people to complete 12 years of schooling or its vocational equivalent, and wants to make sure that they can participate in shaping and managing their education, training and community participation.