In this report unemployment among young Australians between 1980 and 1994 is examined. Four youth cohorts were examined (born in 1960, 1965, 1970 and 1975) to gain data for this report. Factors that influence becoming unemployed and leaving employment were addressed. The following factors were investigated: social and demographic background factors; national unemployment rate; school achievement; post-secondary qualifications; and employment history. Influences on duration of unemployment included gender, school achievement, health, year 12 completing, marriages and post-school qualification. This report, published by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program.