Youth Unemployment through Skill Development During COVID-19

The Experience of Bangladeshi Migrants in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

The coronavirus crisis significantly impacted job loss in New South Wales, severely affecting young Bangladeshi migrants. The shortage of skilled, trained and experienced young individuals is a significant barrier to career opportunities for youth. Those with technical skills and expertise resorted to self-employment or working with small offices remotely. However, many lost their jobs, leading to homelessness and dropping out of education. This article examines the effects of COVID-19 on young Bangladeshi students living in New South Wales, Australia, focusing on how skill development training influenced their resilience during the pandemic. In-depth interviews with 23 Bangladeshi students living in New South Wales were conducted to collect data. The skilled training enabled many students to work from home, get alternative online jobs, and find new sources of income. Technical expertise helped them work from home during and after the lockdown and find new online jobs. This study suggests the need for effective government financial and policy support to address the youth employment crisis. It also suggests targeted measures to bridge the unemployment divide and support the economic resilience of young Bangladeshi migrants in Australia.