Managing youth transitions in the Network Society

Castells argues that society is being reconstituted according to the global logic of networks. This paper discusses the ways in which a globalised net work logic transforms the nature young people's transitions from school to work. Furthermore, the paper explores the ways in which this network logic restructured the manner in which youth transitions are managed via the emer gence of a Vocational Education and Training (VET) agenda in Australian pos t compulsory secondary schooling. It also notes the implications of the eme rgence of the 'network society' for locality generally and for selected loc alities specific to the research upon which this paper is based. It suggest s that schools represent nodes in a range of VET and other networks, and sh ows how schools and other agencies in particular localities mobilise their expertise to construct such networks. These networks are networked, funded and regulated at various levels - regionally, nationally and globally. But, they are also facilitated by personal networking opportunities and capacit ies. The paper also points to the ways in which the 'reflexivity chances' o f young people are shaped by this network logic - a situation that generate s new forms of responsibility, for schools and teachers, with regard to the management of youth transitions.