YOUNG Aboriginal people are more likely to make getting a job high priority than their non-Aboriginal counterparts, a new study shows.

The research by Mission Australia reveals more than one in three young Aboriginal people consider getting a job to be of major importance compared with one in five non-Aboriginal young people.

''I knew I had to get a career, set some goals … instead of struggling like every other black person '' … Terry Brown at the Holiday Inn, Mascot. Credit:Ben Rushton

''Given the level of disadvantage that characterises so many Aboriginal communities, this result speaks volumes for the young people's resilience and determination,'' Eleri Morgan-Thomas, Mission Australia's general manager for advocacy and public affairs, said.

Mission Australia is calling for federal government help to develop an employment program targeted at 15- to 18-year-old Aboriginal youth. Many were slipping through the safety net, dropping out of school, failing to register with Centrelink and not getting the help they needed to fulfil their ambitions, Ms Morgan-Thomas said.