Pathways and transitions from school to work: Australian experiences

Australian governments, both national and state, acknowledge the importance of having a highly skilled workforce to achieve economic growth, to increase international competitiveness and to build `Australia's capacity to effectively operate in the global knowledge-based economy' (ACCI/BCA, 2002, p. 1) through policies such as `Backing Australia's Ability' (Australian Government, 2004), `Backing Australia's Skills' (Australia. DEST, 2004) and `Skills for the Future' (Australian Government, 2006).