This study explores current education, training, and employment issues and opportunities for rural youth in Australia, and suggests ways in which relevant education, training, and employment options and prospects can be generated for rural youth. Specifically, this study documents the ways that economic and social changes in rural communities have impacted young people; identifies service gaps for young rural people that contribute to or hinder their effective participation in education, employment, and training; examines the adequacy of employment counseling services in local rural economies; identifies barriers to employment, education, and training opportunities for rural youth; documents likely growth industries in rural Australia that are relevant to young women and men; describes innovative models that generate education and training options for rural youth; and explores current and proposed use of information technologies that support education, training, and employment outcomes. Recommendations are made in areas of education, pathways, employment, retention, participation, and specific Indigenous issues. The recommendations reflect the realization that strategies must address individual community demographics, culture, and need. They emphasize the importance of local creativity and partnerships between business, communities, schools, and government in responding to rural issues. Eight appendices present conferences attended, consultation tools, contact details for innovative programs, summary of youth consultation issues and comments, principles that enhance youth participation, and a discussion of youth entrepreneurship education. (Contains 142 references.) (TD)