The federal government has moved towards a system where young people under 21 who haven’t completed their Higher School Certificate or a Certificate II must either be in paid employment or studying while they look for work.

Figures show 320,000 Australians aged 15 to 24 years are not in education, training or employment.

Around 170,000 of these have been unemployed for 12 months or more.

Julie Dawes from local Job Services Australia provider Central West Community College said the changes make sense because employers are demanding skilled workers.

“The courses our clients can do are geared towards employment so it’s all about practical work skills.

“They come away from the training with a recognised qualification, work experience and the skills local employers are looking for.”

The training program being run at Lithgow TAFE for eligible clients includes core units covering language, literacy and numeracy skills but also has a wide range of electives like fitting and machining, welding, hospitality, animal care and retail.

Ms Dawes said it’s important to note it is not school.

“It’s not about lots of text books, homework and tests; it’s about skilling people into the workforce. There’s also lots of support available.

“Clients who don’t attend regularly risk having their payments stopped by Centrelink but we know it can be hard to study when there’s other problems like transport or housing or family commitment so we’re making sure there’s plenty of help and assistance if people need it.”

Ms Dawes is encouraging young jobseekers to check with their Job Service Australia providers or Centrelink about their obligations and eligibility.