Any teacher worth their salt knows that if school leavers aren’t ready for work, they risk drifting early – so giving them real skills, confidence and direction before they walk out the gate can make all the difference.
Fortunately, the data shows most school leavers aren’t finding themselves in limbo after graduation.
According to recent data from the Productivity Commission, 89.8% of students who complete Year 12 were engaged in education, training or employment within six months of leaving school.
Meanwhile, the latest VET in Schools report shows the number of students engaged in vocational education and training (VET) has increased by 5.8% from 2023, to 266,765 students, and increased 55.4% to its highest level since the collection began in 2006.
Digital mentor empowers careers education
Iconic Australian career platform Year13 recently launched a new ‘digital mentor’ to improve personalised, always-on support for school leavers. Dubbed ‘Anyway in Australia’, the initiative follows a successful US soft launch in late 2025, as it continues to scale globally.
At the heart of the platform is an AI-powered Career Coach that’s always on, giving young people tailored support as they figure out what comes next. In a system where one advisor can be stretched across hundreds of students, it flips the script to feel like one-on-one guidance.
The digital mentor draws on each student’s interests and goals to point them towards real opportunities. Year 13 said the name ‘Anyway in Australia’ speaks to giving young people the confidence to choose their own path.
“In many ways, we’ve graduated from Year 13 ourselves, and we are now supporting 14 to 24-year-olds, not just the year after school,” Will Stubley, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Anyway, said
“Introducing Anyway reflects our continued and evolved mission to revolutionise the school-to-work journey for social and economic impact.”
Stubley added that Year 13 and its partners are committing to using technology, collaboration and shared expertise to help young people “find direction, build capability, and take confident steps toward their futures.”
Clear pathways, not just endless options
A key part of the Australian launch is a landmark partnership with the University of New England (UNE), who joins Anyway as its exclusive higher education partner. Based in regional NSW, UNE brings years of expertise in online education and shares a strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people in regional and rural communities.
“We see the pathways into higher education are becoming more diverse and less linear for young people,” Michaela Lobb, Director of Marketing from the University of New England, said.
“What matters now is whether they have access to the right support and opportunities along the way. At UNE, we’re focused on enabling students with AI at the core of their learning journey.”
Lobb said partnering with Anyway allows the University to extend that support into students’ formative decision-making years, through solutions like the AI-powered Career Coach.
“Anyway reflects a broader shift in how we think about education. It’s no longer confined to the classroom or even to the years a student is formally enrolled. That’s why partnering with Anyway and backing this national pledge matters,” Lobb said.
“It’s about making sure every student, no matter where they live, has the support to figure out what comes next and leaves school with a clear path, not just a list of options.”
Tech reshaping jobs, but guidance lagging behind
John Galligan, General Manager, Corporate External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said starting a career “has never been fuller of possibility, or more confusing.”
“Anyway’s AI-powered Career Coach is a strong example of how responsible AI can help students turn ambition into a practical plan – matching their interests and strengths with real pathways, skills and opportunities,” Galligan said.
“By supporting Anyway, Microsoft is proud to work alongside education and community partners to help ensure more young Australians – regardless of where they live or their background – can build future-ready skills, navigate change with confidence, and take the next step into study or work.”
Lucinda Longcroft, Interim CEO and Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Tech Council of Australia., said that as technology changes the way we work and creates new opportunities across the economy, young people need clear, practical guidance on the skills they will need and the pathways available to them.
“Anyway is helping them build confidence, explore their options and make informed decisions about what comes next,” she said. “We’re delighted to support this work.”
Patrick Kidd OBE OAM, Chief Executive Officer, Future Skills Organisation, pointed out that while the transition from school to work is one of the most critical points in a young person’s journey, too many are navigating it without the guidance they need.
“At Future Skills Organisation, we’re proud to support the Anyway mission, recognising that improving access to clear, relevant education & career pathways is essential to building a skilled and adaptable workforce,” Kidd said.
“Anyway is helping connect education, training, and employment in a way that supports stronger outcomes for young people. We’re excited to be part of an initiative that is strengthening Australia’s future talent pipeline.”