Youth Employment Project

For many young workers, positive employment experience provides a basis for ongoing participation in the economy and community. It provides financial security, social connections, self-esteem and independence. However, for a variety of reasons young workers are more vulnerable to exploitation at work. They are often underpaid, unfairly dismissed, injured at work and subject to workplace bullying and discrimination.

The Youth Employment Project started in mid-2019 and aims to improve employment outcomes for young people aged 12 to 25 in Melbourne's West. We do this by educating and empowering young people experiencing disadvantage to better understand and enforce their workplace rights through legal assistance, education and capacity building, and systemic change.

The final report for phase 1 of the Youth Employment Project was launched in September 2021, Ignorance is NOT Bliss, and can be downloaded here. 

The Employment and Equality Law Team are still delivering legal services to young people, with funding from the Department of Justice and Community Safety:

• Targeted legal services delivered in places where young people learn, work and access support such as schools and youth centres;
• Employment law education for young people and those who work with them. We have a range of tailored workshops for young people and agency staff);
• Work-Related Skills Teacher Resource Pack, including lesson plans, teacher handouts, student handouts and major assessments; and
• Advocating to improve laws and processes addressing the common issues facing young workers. 

 An overview of the Youth Employment Project can be accessed here.

Please call us on (03) 9749 7720 to make an appointment or email elp@westjustice.org.au.