August 27, 2025

Australia’s youth deserve better

CICA is deeply concerned by ACARA’s decision to leave Work Studies frozen at Version 8.4 and reduce career education to an optional “Curriculum Connection.”

At a time when OECD data shows 36% of Australian teens are career uncertain and only 34% access work placements, this move weakens one of the few structured career education pathways in schools.

Career education is not optional. It is essential to workforce readiness, lifelong learning, and economic resilience. It’s time for urgent review and reform.

Australia’s Youth Deserve Better Than a ‘Curriculum Connection