A new report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) reveals that the health and life satisfaction of young Australians have declined.
Generation Z: life at 21 examines data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) participants who commenced the program when they were 15 years old in 2015.
Findings show that, when comparing 21-year-olds in 2015 with 21-year-olds in 2021, those who felt happy about their future decreased to 79% (down from 88%), while those who were happy with their career prospects dropped to 76% (down from 84%). Those satisfied with the state of the economy decreased by 15 percentage points to 46% (down from 61%).
Additionally, those who reported having a disability or health problem that limits the type of study or work they can do increased to 13% (up by 5 percentage points).
Financial hardship was also a concern for 21-year-olds in 2021, with 28% experiencing financial stress. One in eight went without meals, and one in seven did not get medicines they needed or go to the doctor.
But the picture is not all negative, as the proportion of young people securing employment in 2021 grew after stagnating in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report shows that 87% of 21-year-olds were employed in 2021, an increase of 8 percentage points compared to when they were 20 years old in 2020. Of those employed, 34% secured full-time work while 56% were working part-time.
Background:
Generation Z: life at 21 examines how 21-year-olds engaged with study and work alongside their living arrangements, finances, and mental health in 2021.
Related resources:
- Infographic – Generation Z: life at 21
- LSAY website
- Latest LSAY data
Enquiries: Mariane Umali M: 0406 824 184 E: marianeumali@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education.