This report addresses a collective challenge for education and employers: ensuring that all young people in Australia develop the skills and capabilities that will enable them to succeed in the future of work.

In recent years, there has been a growing consensus that partnerships between schools and industry are a highly effective way to connect young people to the world of work, and support the development of skills valued in current and future workplaces.

Many schools across the country have been building partnerships with industry, but progress has been ad hoc and partnerships are not yet common practice in all schools (Gonski et al., 2018). Disadvantaged learners have the most to gain from industry exposure, yet, too often, school-industry partnerships rely on the social and professional connections that exist within the school community – which risks leaving many disadvantaged students even further behind.

Connecting the Worlds of Learning and Work