Income

Creating financial stability and independence for young people

Over a third of school leavers aren’t in further education or employment. And Australia has the fourth highest rate of family joblessness in the world, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

We believe from doing our research, the key to breaking this cycle is in the transition from school to work. We and our Income strategy coalition partners work directly with disadvantaged schools to help students find pathways to learning or earning. Students that otherwise are at risk of disengaging from and leaving school before graduating, giving them less of a chance to gain meaningful employment, access decent housing, raise families and earn a regular income.

A key element to our work is the involvement of representatives from the corporate sector, local business and skilling and employment agencies who share their experiences, talents, skills and interests with students. As a result, students leave with a clearer understanding of their own talents and aspirations and the career options and opportunities open to them and feeling more confident and positive in being able to achieve them.

Click to find out more about our Income strategy and visit our work to learn about the programs we are supporting to tackle this issue.

“ING DIRECT is committed to being a good citizen in the communities in which our staff live and work. As a young, innovative organisation we find a natural alignment with helping young people realise their potential with the support of innovative partnerships and programs. Through our very own ING Foundation, we give financial grants to organisations that support this agenda. In addition to this our employees are encouraged to donate their time and skills through fundraising and taking part in volunteering programs. By combining company and community resources, such as our partnership with United Way Australia, the ING DIRECT can make a difference to the lives of others.”
Don Koch – CEO, ING DIRECT

ING Direct has worked in partnership with United Way in Sydney and the Central Coast since 2008 and that time has engaged 570 volunteers from ING Direct in the local community.