Built environment vocational training for justice-involved youth in Australia: a systematic review of recidivism and workforce outcomes

Purpose
This study investigates whether vocational training programs in Australia's built environment sector can reduce recidivism among justice-involved youth whilst simultaneously addressing construction skills shortages.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Criminological and interdisciplinary databases were searched for studies published between 2008 and 2023. Thirty-four studies on vocational programs for justice-involved youth were included and synthesised narratively across intervention types and built environment sectors, with structured narrative appraisal applied to assess methodological quality.

Findings
Programs aligned with labour market demand, liveable wages and culturally responsive wraparound support achieved the strongest outcomes. Construction-focused interventions dominated the evidence base (n = 9), whilst pathways in property, urban planning and project management remained underrepresented. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth comprise 63% of those detained but represented only 24% of program participants, revealing a significant equity gap in vocational program access.

Research limitations/implications
Most included studies involved small samples and short follow-up, limiting causal claims. Future research should prioritise longitudinal, comparative designs across the built environment sector, with equity-informed analysis across gender, geography and jurisdiction.

Practical implications
Policy frameworks should integrate correctional education with workforce development at national, state and industry levels, with youth justice professionals, vocational education and training providers and construction industry partners each sustaining distinct roles in aligning training with real employment opportunities and throughcare support. Findings carry transferable implications for comparable jurisdictions addressing the intersection of youth justice and labour market integration.

Originality/value
This is the first known systematic review examining both recidivism reduction and workforce benefits from built environment vocational programs for justice-involved youth in Australia.