Supporting disengaged students on a pathway to employment

New data released by the Department of Education shows Queensland school students will benefit from the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to boost training and employment pathways.

Minister for Education, Kate Jones, said the School Disciplinary Absences data for 2014 reveals the number of students being excluded from schools and having their enrolments cancelled has almost doubled over the past 5 years.

“Labor initiated changes to strengthen principals’ disciplinary powers in 2009 and we will continue to support principals working with their school communities to ensure classrooms are safe learning environments,” Ms Jones said.

“While these powers are needed in schools, we must do more to help young people find a pathway to training and employment.

“That is why the Palaszczuk Government is committing $240 million over four years to reinstate Skilling Queenslanders for Work, to build training and employment pathway options for young people, including those at risk of disengaging from school.

“For example, as part of our reforms the Palaszczuk Government will invest an additional $5 million to increase the number of VET courses in schools.

“We will also provide an additional 2,500 teachers in our state schools, as well as a further 45 guidance officers, to provide extra support for students before they disengage," Ms Jones said.

Ms Jones said she had asked the department to investigate ways to strengthen systems for monitoring and reporting on the pathways of at-risk students.

Student disciplinary data for Semester 1 and 2, 2014, is available on the Department of Education and Training website at: www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/statistics.

The Student Disciplinary Absence figures do not represent the number of students, but the number of incidences.

Emma Smith (Minister Jones’ Office) 0417 405 879